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Not to be sneezed at! Hayfever symptoms can be controlled by increasing probiotic intake, study says
University of Florida research shows a probiotics may help to reduce hayfever
These work by increasing the body's percentage of regulatory T-cells
As a result, these help to increase tolerance to the allergy's symptoms
The findings may offer a symptom-free alternative to common antihistamines
The season of discontent is fast-approaching for millions of hayfever sufferers.
But medical experts believe relief could be found in the form of probiotics which actively boost immunity when digested.
Academics claim a combination of two specific probiotics can boost T cell count, which suppress symptoms from manifesting - and could offer a symptom-free alternative to common antihistamines.
Discovery: Hayfever relief could be found in the form of probiotics which boost immunity
Researchers at the University of Florida tested the a formula - consisting of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria - on 173 healthy adults who suffered seasonal allergies.
Randomly split into two groups, some took the combination probiotic; while others consumed a placebo.
Assessed over eight weeks, scientists analysed DNA from stool samples to determine how bacteria changed and used an online symptom-checker survey.
The results, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on Thursday, showed that those who took the probiotic reported improvements in quality of life, compared to those who did not.
For example, participants suffered fewer allergy-related nose symptoms, which meant that they were less troubled during daily activities.
However, it was the particular combination of probiotics that generated the response, the study's author stressed.
The results, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on Thursday, could be a game-changer for future allergy treatment
'Not all probiotics work for allergies. This one did,' said Jennifer Dennis, a doctoral student in the UF food science and human nutrition department in UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and first author on the latest study.
According to other published research in the field, seasonal allergies can reduce sleep and productivity at work or school and can cause stress and embarrassment.
Further, current allergy medications have unwanted potential side effects, including dry mouth and drowsiness; thus the need for alternatives, the researchers say.
Source: Daily Mail