Effects of probiotic PCC® on atopic dermatitis

Weston, et al. Effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial. Archives of Diseases in Childhood. 2005;90:892-897

The study investigated the effects of PCC^® on moderate and severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in infants aged 6-18 months. The study was conducted in Western Australia at the Institute for Child Health as a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. 53 children completed the study. The children were divided into two groups and given either PCC^® (1 billion CFU) or a placebo for eight weeks.

General findings

The severity and extent of eczema symptoms was assessed using the SCORAD index at baseline and at eight and 16 weeks. A significant reduction in eczema symptoms was seen in the PCC^® group but not in the placebo group. Furthermore, this improvement continued for at least eight weeks after dosing was completed.

Conclusions

The authors concluded that “supplementation with PCC^® is beneficial in improving the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis in young children with moderate or severe disease”. As a secondary benefit, the study also showed that significantly fewer infants who were given PCC^® had lower respiratory tract infections compared to the placebo group.

Read a summary of the study and its findings