Danisco, Turku University Study May Relieve Symptoms Of Birch Pollen Allergy

Danisco and Turku University are behind the first study to demonstrate that dietary supplementation with probiotic cultures may relieve the symptoms of birch pollen allergy.

Reportedly, a daily dose of two documented probiotic cultures, combined at a specific ratio, reduced the inflammatory response in the nasal mucus membranes to birch pollen. It also produced indications that respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and nasal blocking, were alleviated by approximately 20% each.

The company said that 47 volunteers who participated in the study, were all children between 4 and 13 years old diagnosed with birch pollen allergy. Starting a month before the onset of the birch pollen season, all were given a daily dose of either a placebo, or the probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis B1-04.

Reportedly, treatment continued for four months. All the children received their usual antihistamine treatment during this time.

Arthur Ouwehand, leader of the research team at Danisco Health & Nutrition, said: “Previous studies have combined probiotic strains at a ratio of 1:1. The innovative aspect of our study was that we used an adapted ratio in an attempt to find the right probiotic mix.”

“Even though the children were already taking established medication, the probiotics clearly showed a positive effect,” he added.