A meta-analysis of the effect of probiotics on atopy and asthma in children

Foreword: All things considered about probiotics, prebiotics and ıntestinal microbiota in children – from bench to bedside

“…The 'hygiene hypothesis' postulated that increased 'cleanliness' , reduced family size and decreased childhood infections have led to a rise in atopic and auto-immune diseases by lowering our normal exposure to microbes (reduced microbial diversity), which play a critical role in the maturation of the immune system. Probiotic strains themselves or perhaps the balance they help achieve seem to have beneficial effects to prevent or reduce atopy (Forno, 2014). This effect may happen via improved balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses, toll-like receptor activation, modulation of inflammatory signals or other mechanisms.…”