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Allergies and intolerances

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Probiotics and allergies

18 replies

ShineSmile · 17/06/2014 15:38

Hi,

Does anyone know

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ShineSmile · 17/06/2014 15:39

Sorry got cut off, does anyone know if probiotics help with allergies? Has anyone given any to their baby or child?

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Superworm · 18/06/2014 18:58

I've been giving them to DS for about 1.5 years on recommendation from his pead.

He is allergic to dairy & soy so after much research found a DF/SF probiotic (lots contain dairy).

He is still allergic but I have found he is more robust. He used to develop illnesses after exposure to his allergens. He would be ill for weeks, as his immune system was compromised. That doesn't happen now.

Could because he is bigger, could be the probiotics!

ShineSmile · 18/06/2014 19:23

Superworm, thanks!! I haven't asked the pediatrician so wasn't sure, plus it's such a pain trying to give any medicine to DD.

May I ask which one it is that you give? Thanks again!

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eragon · 18/06/2014 20:56

too many conflicting studies to show a clear positive impact with probiotics.
That's why not widely recommended by immunologists one way or another.

ShineSmile · 18/06/2014 21:10

Could it do any harm?

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choochootrain1 · 19/06/2014 15:44

I can't see how it could do any harm....

Many foods are naturally probiotic (promote good gut bacteria) and many are naturally antibiotic eg garlic. As long as you buy good quality ones and check what other ingredients are added in - obviously you don't want ones with a load of junk chucked in on top.

You may get some sort of "die off" reaction as bad stuff is killed off by the good I suppose, but that wouldn't be "harm" because of that I'd start slowly and build up gradually.

We do probiotics... 80% of immunity is in the gut. Probiotics are going to do far more to help an immune system than a vaccine imho (we do still vaccinate though) my LO is rarely sick, and when he is, he bounces back very quick. He can be around sick kids/people and not pick up their bugs fairly easily. Today... he's just had a reaction to something he's eaten for lunch...but he's in less than an hour appearing to have the reaction fade and his usual chirpy self. He had a fever several weeks ago...not sure why, it lasted overnight and by the morning he was done and ok again. He could just be naturally robust, but I've never seen a kid bounce back as fast as he does, an illness has never gone on for more than 24 hrs for him other than one mild cough about 5 months old that was over in a week.

If you're worried perhaps you could start with more probiotic foods before using powder/capsules...

Hope this helps

ShineSmile · 19/06/2014 19:27

Thanks choochoo, that helps a lot! In going to get some, any recommendations?

Superworm, which one do you use for your LO?

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eragon · 19/06/2014 20:25

I would recommend caution if you have a milk allergy as some probiotics come from milk etc.

I think its worth doing some research about amount needed to make an impact on bowel.

Superworm · 19/06/2014 20:45

We use BioCare children's bio-acidophilus. The are quite expensive and need to be kept in the fridge but he has never reacted to them and he is super sensitive to dairy.

There is a study that found they made colic worse in formula fed infants but vibe not found anything that found they made allergies worse.

anotherdayanothersquabble · 19/06/2014 21:04

I have had probiotics recommended by Immunologists here in Switzerland, the medical system here is more open to non pharmaceutical medical solutions due to the nature of funding and guidelines.

I use Biocare Mindlinx.

Look also at supplementing EPA / DHA, vitamin A, D and C.

I used to give probiotics on porridge, now give on a spoon, sometimes mixed with this EPA/LNA/DHA mixture which is quite a palatable way of getting fatty acids in.

ShineSmile · 20/06/2014 18:40

Thanks all!

What are natural probiotics? Besides garlic? We have garlic every day in food. We can't have any dairy so no yoghurt.

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Pancakeflipper · 21/06/2014 18:53

I use probiotics for both my children (only 1 has an allergy). I also find he bounces back a little quicker from illness than he used to.

We use optibacs - the powder one for children is dairy-free. But will look at other suggestions as these are expensive for 2 children to have daily.

Waltonswatcher · 22/06/2014 20:11

Biogia was prescribed for my dd . It worked wonders and I believe it helped her to tolerate the allergen avoided foods we were introducing .
It's expensive , but comes recommended by a trustworthy consultant and a dietitian . It's allergen free .

Pancakeflipper · 22/06/2014 20:40

Which Biogia product do you use?

ShineSmile · 22/06/2014 21:08

Walton, may I ask which consultant? Also do you have the full name? I'm going to ask the dietician to ask GP to prescribe it for us

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ShineSmile · 22/06/2014 21:13

Walton, did you get it as a NHS prescription?

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Waltonswatcher · 23/06/2014 06:10

No it's not currently available on prescription , I doubt it will ever be - the evidence is too wishy washy sadly .
We had a free trial run as luckily the consultant had attended a conference on the topic and had samples .
We used the one for children in a drop form .

ShineSmile · 23/06/2014 11:49

Thanks Walton. I gave some to my DD (those drops when she was younger). I think I might give it another shot.

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