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Probiotic bacteria offers hope for hayfever sufferers

03/06/2008

A new study has found that consuming probiotic bacteria in a daily drink can modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of hayfever.

The report published by the Institute of Food Research today offers hope for those who suffer from the seasonal condition.

"This was a pilot study based on small numbers of patients, but we were fascinated to discover a response", research leader Professor Claudio Nicoletti said.

"The probiotic significantly reduced the production of molecules associated with allergy."

In the study, volunteers with a history of hayfever drank a daily milk drink with or without live bacteria over five months.

Blood samples from the volunteers were taken before the grass pollen season, at its peak in June and four weeks after the end of the season.

For those who drank the probiotic, levels of the IgG antibody which plays a protective role in fighting against allergic reactions were higher in the peak season and afterwards.

"The probiotic strain we tested changed the way the body's immune cells respond to grass pollen, restoring a more balanced immune response", said Dr Kamal Ivory.

"These are really interesting results", added Dr Linda Thomas, head of science at Yakult UK.

"We are delighted that independent scientists found evidence of this biological activity. The project was part of ongoing research into the benefits of our probiotic strain."