Early probiotics and omega-3 supplements reshape infant immune responses
A new clinical trial shows that giving pregnant women and infants probiotics and fish oil supplements alters how babies' immune cells respond to allergens and infections. The findings could reshape prenatal care practices and unlock a new market for preventive supplements if they reduce childhood allergy rates.
Originaltitel: Effects of pre- and postnatal probiotic and ?-3 fatty acid supplementation on cytokine and chemokine responses to allergens and TLR ligands during infancy
<p>Background Reduced intensity and diversity of microbial stimulation and decreased intake of anti-inflammatory omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in Western diets may contribute to impaired postnatal immune development and increased allergy risk. Here, we hypothesize that early supplementation with probiotics and omega-3 PUFAs, starting during pregnancy and continuing during infancy, may promote appropriate immune maturation and thereby potentially prevent allergy development. Methods In this study, 117 mother-baby pairs were randomized into four groups receiving the following supplements: Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), omega-3 PUFA, double supplementation, or placebo. Supplementation started from gestational week 20 until 3 months of age (3 mo) for omega-3 PUFA and continued until 12 mo for L. reuteri. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from infants were isolated at birth and at 6, 12, and 24 mo, and stimulated ex vivo with several allergens and ligands of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Cytokines and chemokines related to Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg responses were quantified. Results Probiotic supplementation modulated the pattern of cytokine and chemokine secretion over time, whereas no clear effects were observed for omega-3 PUFA supplementation. L. reuteri supplementation led to a significant increase in Th1-associated C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) levels induced by birch and cat allergens at 6 mo. Furthermore, L. reuteri induced more significant age-dependent changes under several types of stimulation than did the placebo, indicating enhanced immune maturation. Conclusion Pre- and postnatal probiotic supplementation may promote immune maturation during early childhood.</p>