During the period of 2000-2003, 179 healthy, term infants with no previous signs of allergic disease were recruited and randomized to daily intake of cereals with or without the addition of Lactobacillus paracasei subspecies paracasei strain F19 (LF19) from 4-13 months of age. The effects of LF19 on gut microbial composition, infections, allergies, immunological development, growth and blood lipids were monitored. Of 179 included infants, 171 completed the study. The study product was well tolerated with no observed side effects. Compliance was excellent. In a follow-up study, the aim is to investigate the long-term effects of feeding LF19 during weaning on allergies, immune programming, overweight, gut microbial composition and oral health in 8-year old children. The investigators' primary outcome will be to determine whether daily intake of LF19 during weaning results in less eczema at 8 years of age, and if the preventive effect encompasses also respiratory allergies and immunoglobulin E (IgE) - sensitization. The long term effects on gut microbial composition, overweight and metabolic markers will be investigated. Furthermore, the possible preventive effects of LF19 on caries will be assessed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
121
Infant cereals with the addition of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei strain F19 (LF19)10E8 CFU per serving
Infant cereals without any addition
Umeå University
Umeå, Sweden
Eczema
Eczema including related allergic manifestations
Time frame: 8 years of age
Respiratory allergies
Allergic rhinitis and asthma
Time frame: 8 years of age
Sensitization
Assessed by skin prick test and specific IgE tests
Time frame: 8 years of age
Overweight/obesity
Assessed by BMI and DEXA-scan
Time frame: 8 years of age
Gut microbial composition
Assessed by Molecular biology techniques
Time frame: 8 years of age
Caries
Clinical evaluation and x-ray
Time frame: 8 years of age
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.