Liu M, Huang YK. Progress in understanding the relationship between food allergy and intestinal microflora.
Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2012;
20:1421-1427. [DOI:
10.11569/wcjd.v20.i16.1421]
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Abstract
A food allergy is defined as a harmful immunological reaction to ingested food protein. According to 2007 CDC statistics, more than 3 million (3.9%) of children under 18 years old suffered from food allergy, and the morbidity is especially higher among children under 5 years old. Healthy intestinal microflora is very important for the development of mature human immune system. The composition of intestinal microflora differs significantly between children with and without food allergy. Food allergy in children may be closely associated with the immature development and damage of the intestinal mucosal barrier, intestinal dysbacteriosis and microflora disorder. Probiotics, as the balancer of intestinal microflora and regulator of intestinal mucosal immunity, can be used to prevent and treat allergic diseases; however, more larger randomized, controlled clinical studies are needed to verify its efficacy.
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