Media Release:

Prebiotics key in reducing allergies, supporting the infant immune system

A global expert in infant nutrition has visited Australia for the first time to share insights into why breastmilk and its naturally occurring prebiotics are so important to the immune system of babies.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that encourage the good bacteria in the digestive system to flourish, reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut/intestines.

Up to 40% of children in Australia are affected by allergic disorders some time during life, with 20% having current symptoms. Allergic diseases have approximately doubled in western countries over the last 25 years.¹

According to Professor Johan Garssen, Professor of Immunology from Danone Research and Utrecht University, Netherlands, prebiotics - a particular group called oligosaccharides - are key to developing a healthy immune system and reducing rates of allergies.

Professor Garssen shared his research findings with healthcare professionals in Australia at seminars supported by Nutricia, highlighting how evidence is amassing on the benefits of prebiotic oligosaccharides to the developing immune system, in particular allergy.

Oligosaccharides are contained naturally in breast milk, yet another reason why breast milk is best for babies.

"One of the most important aspects of breast milk is that it can help the human immune system," he said.

"In breast milk there are hundreds of ingredients that can help the development of the immune system. One major group of ingredients we focus on in our research is oligosaccharide molecules. These are unique sugars that are not digestible, and are present in human milk at relatively high levels, even higher levels than proteins. This is a crucial difference from cow's milk in which only minor traces of oligosaccharides can be found."

Professor Garssen explained how a unique mixture of oligosaccharides has been developed which act as prebiotics, stimulating the beneficial bacteria within the gut.

He highlighted the growing body of evidence of these 'prebiotics' in preventing both infections and allergy. Evidence to date has shown a significant reduction in common infections. However it is the impact on allergy that appears to be the most striking.

"We know now that there is a highly significant effect on atopic dermatitis, which is one of the most frequent symptoms for allergy or allergy related disorders in young infants," he said.

To date trials have shown a 50% reduction in atopic dermatitis and associated symptoms in babies defined as at risk of allergy through family history. Recently completed studies are showing similar effects on atopic dermatitis in infants with no family history of allergy as well.

Dr John Sinn, Neonatologist and Senior Staff Specialist at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney published Cochrane reviews in 2007 of both prebiotics and probiotics. He is now looking to update his reviews in respect of allergy prevention on the back of mounting evidence.

"There is growing evidence that prebiotics, like probiotics, have beneficial effects on the immature immune system and may protect infants from developing allergies," Dr Sinn said.

"Improving the gut flora by adding prebiotics or probiotics also benefits the recovery period from diarrhoeal illnesses due to viruses and antibiotic use."

References:
1. Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
http://www.allergy.org.au/content/view/182/127/

PREbiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that encourage the good bacteria in the digestive system to flourish, reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in the gut/intestines.

PRObiotics: Probiotics are live friendly bacteria that are sometimes added to foods. They grow poorly in the gut unless prebiotics are present.

Mum Zone Release Date: 17th November 2009

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