Prevention Of Atopy Research Articles

The Primary Prevention of Atopy: Does Early Exposure to Cats and Dogs Prevent the Development of Allergy and Asthma in Children? A Comprehensive Analysis of the Literature.

The current literature shows mixed results relating to the significance of environmental exposure, such as owning a pet, and the development of atopy in children. Our review aimed to collect the most recent evidence on the association between early-life cat and dog ownership and the development of allergy and asthma. A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed and Scopus. The search included the main keywords of our PICO: (((early exposure) AND (children) AND (allergy)) OR (asthma)) AND (dog) OR (cat). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews of children within the last five years (2018-2023) were searched and included. During the search process, 52 articles from PubMed and 43 from Scopus were found. A total of 17 articles were deemed to be suitable and included. Fairly consistent results regarding early exposure to pets, in particular dogs, and the prevention of food allergies have been described. Furthermore, there seems to be a protective effect against allergy and asthma in relation to the number of pets owned. The likelihood of a child developing allergy and asthma seems to be influenced by various factors, including the child's genetic background and early exposure to different environmental factors, including allergens that may interact with the gut microbiota and immune system.

Probiotic as supplementary therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic Rhinosinusitis is an inflammation in paranasal sinus and nasal cavity that can last up to a minimum of 12 weeks with prevalence 1% to 12% globally. The etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis is usually caused by combination of various factors such as pathogenic organism and obstruction of the sinus tract. The latest study also found imbalance in natural microbiome can cause chronic rhinosinusitis. One of the alternative therapies to help alleviate chronic rhinosinusitis is using probiotic. Probiotic is a living microorganism that, if given in adequate dosage, will provide health benefits for the host by keeping the balance of microbiome or commensal bacteria count in the body. Some latest studies showed the efficacy of probiotic in rhinitis allergy, atopic prevention such as eczema, asthma, diarrhea and food allergy. Aim of this narrative review is to understand the efficacy of probiotic and possible side effects that might occur in the use of probiotics as supplementary therapy on chronic rhinosinusitis.

Nutritional Factors in the Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in Children.

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most frequent chronic skin diseases worldwide and often develops within the first few years of life. Recent advancements in our knowledge of its pathophysiology have brought to light the role of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. With the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases, there is a strong need for a better understanding of the various modifiable eliciting factors of such conditions. The concomitant rise in food allergy and insights into the skin barrier function has highlighted the role of nutrition and diet in the prevention and modification of allergic disorders. Furthermore, the identification of the skin as an important route of sensitization, and the risk of progression to asthma later in life, stress the significance of optimizing our management of skin inflammation in the prevention of allergies. Many nutritional factors, including the type of maternal diet during pregnancy, the duration of breastfeeding, the epicutaneous exposure of allergenic food proteins in the first few years of life, the timing of the introduction of complementary foods, the supplementation of vitamins and probiotics/prebiotics during prenatal and early life, have been assessed as potential targets for the prevention of atopy and eczema. Here, we review the latest data addressing prenatal and perinatal nutritional and dietary interventions in the primary prevention of atopic dermatitis. Also, we define knowledge gaps and targets for future research in the prevention of atopic dermatitis.

THE ROLE OF PHAGE THERAPY IN THE FORMATION OF THE INTESTINAL MICROECOSYSTEM

The current adverse situation associated with the presence of a pandemic of allergic diseases is due to the lack of a scientifically based concept of treatment and prevention. The increased interest of researchers from different countries in the formation of immunological tolerance by modeling the intestinal microbiota is of high importance. Methods of influence on the microbial communities of the child's intestine should be as delicate as possible, taking into account the individual genetic characteristics of the microecosystem and the possibility of anaphylaxis. Until now, probiotic drugs have been widely used to correct dysbiosis, but data is gradually accumulating that there is no convincing evidence base for their use for the treatment and prevention of atopy. The use of bacteriophages is very relevant and one of the promising, actively studied areas of correction of intestinal biocenosis today, which are an alternative to antibiotic and probiotic medications. Selective decontamination of representatives of opportunistic flora, as the main factor in the implementation of the atopic phenotype, makes it possible to preserve and accelerate the formation of a unique and individual composition of the intestinal microbiota of the child, which can form an immunoregulatory balance. More than a century of experience in the use of bacteriophages indicates the safety of their use. Today, bacteriophages are actively used in various fields of practical medicine − obstetrics-gynecology, perinatology, urology, pediatric otorhinolaryngology, in the treatment of purulent-septic and intestinal infections. In some cases, bacteriophages are very effective against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The active personalized use of bacteriophages in real clinical practice will make it possible to solve a number of serious, long-standing health problems in the Russian Federation and to win a world priority in this direction.

The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Hydrolyzed Formulas, and Timing of Introduction of Allergenic Complementary Foods.

This clinical report updates and replaces a 2008 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which addressed the roles of maternal and early infant diet on the prevention of atopic disease, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and food allergy. As with the previous report, the available data still limit the ability to draw firm conclusions about various aspects of atopy prevention through early dietary interventions. Current evidence does not support a role for maternal dietary restrictions during pregnancy or lactation. Although there is evidence that exclusive breastfeeding for 3 to 4 months decreases the incidence of eczema in the first 2 years of life, there are no short- or long-term advantages for exclusive breastfeeding beyond 3 to 4 months for prevention of atopic disease. The evidence now suggests that any duration of breastfeeding ≥3 to 4 months is protective against wheezing in the first 2 years of life, and some evidence suggests that longer duration of any breastfeeding protects against asthma even after 5 years of age. No conclusions can be made about the role of breastfeeding in either preventing or delaying the onset of specific food allergies. There is a lack of evidence that partially or extensively hydrolyzed formula prevents atopic disease. There is no evidence that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods, including peanuts, eggs, and fish, beyond 4 to 6 months prevents atopic disease. There is now evidence that early introduction of peanuts may prevent peanut allergy.

Measurement of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Background: Current evidence indicates an inverse association between Helicobacter pylori and asthma and allergy. H. pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium which represents the major cause of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, and preferentially elicits a T helper (Th)-1 response. Many H. pylori factors, such as the neutrophil-activating factor of H. pylori (HP-NAP), are able to drive Th-1 polarization and to display a powerful inhibition of allergic Th-2 response. Special attention has been drawn to HP-NAP as a potential novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of asthma and atopy. Aim of the Work: This study was aimed to measure helicobacter pylori in patient with bronchial asthma. Subjects and Methods: This study included a total of 50 patients with bronchial asthma and 20 age-matched control individuals attending at AL-Hussein, Al-Azhar University Hospitals in the period between April 2018 and December 2018. All patients underwent full history taking, complete clinical examination, plain chest X-ray, routine lab investigations, spirometry before and after bronchodilators and H. pylori antigen in stool by ELISA. Results: The results of this study revealed that there is a relation between bronchial asthma and helicobacter pylori. Conclusion: There were improvement in pulmonary function tests in asthmatic patients with H. pylori positive more than asthmatic patients with H. pylori negative.

Measurement of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Background: Current evidence indicates an inverse association between Helicobacter pylori and asthma and allergy. H. pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium which represents the major cause of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, and preferentially elicits a T helper (Th)-1 response. Many H. pylori factors, such as the neutrophil-activating factor of H. pylori (HP-NAP), are able to drive Th-1 polarization and to display a powerful inhibition of allergic Th-2 response. Special attention has been drawn to HP-NAP as a potential novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of asthma and atopy. Aim of the Work: This study was aimed to measure helicobacter pylori in patient with bronchial asthma. Subjects and Methods: This study included a total of 50 patients with bronchial asthma and 20 age-matched control individuals attending at AL-Hussein, Al-Azhar University Hospitals in the period between April 2018 and December 2018. All patients underwent full history taking, complete clinical examination, plain chest X-ray, routine lab investigations, spirometry before and after bronchodilators and H. pylori antigen in stool by ELISA. Results: The results of this study revealed that there is a relation between bronchial asthma and helicobacter pylori. Conclusion: There were improvement in pulmonary function tests in asthmatic patients with H. pylori positive more than asthmatic patients with H. pylori negative.

Galacto-Oligosaccharide/Polidextrose Enriched Formula Protects against Respiratory Infections in Infants at High Risk of Atopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Early nutrition affects the risk of atopy and infections through modifications of intestinal microbiota. The Prebiotics in the Prevention of Atopy (PIPA) study was a 24-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. It aimed to evaluate the effects of a galacto-oligosaccharide/polydextrose (GOS/PDX)-formula (PF) on atopic dermatitis (AD) and common infections in infants who were born to atopic parents and to investigate the relationship among early nutrition, gut microbiota and clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 201 and 199 infants were randomized to receive a PF and standard formula (SF), respectively; 140 infants remained on exclusive breastfeeding (BF). Results: The cumulative incidence of AD and its intensity and duration were not statistically different among the three groups. The number of infants with at least one episode of respiratory infection (RI) and the mean number of episodes until 48 weeks of age were significantly lower in the PF group than in the SF group. The number of patients with recurrent RIs and incidence of wheezing lower RIs until 96 weeks were lower in the PF group than the SF group, but similar to the BF group. Bifidobacteria and Clostridium cluster I colonization increased over time in the PF group but decreased in the SF and BF groups. Bifidobacteria had a protective role in RIs, whereas Clostridium cluster I was associated with atopy protection. Conclusion: The early administration of PF protects against RIs and mediates a species-specific modulation of the intestinal microbiota. Trial registration: clinicaltrial.gov Identifier: NCT02116452.

Timing of food introduction and atopy prevention

The apparent increase in atopic disease, particularly food allergy, over the past 2 decades has resulted in reconsideration of prevention strategies aimed at the infant’s diet. Early advice to have atopy-prone infants delay ingestion of potential food allergens, such as egg, cow’s milk, and peanut, was rescinded, as new evidence emerged that did not support these approaches. More recently, randomized controlled trials have provided data to support an opposite strategy, promoting early ingestion of allergens as a means of food allergy prevention. Specifically, new guidelines suggest early ingestion of peanut as a means to prevent peanut allergy. Additional dietary approaches regarding breastfeeding, early introduction of other types of food allergens, formula feeding, dietary nutrients, and probiotics are also under scrutiny as potential preventative strategies. This review focuses on the timing of food introduction as a preventative strategy for food allergy and also discusses other aspects of the infant diet that may provide opportunities for prevention of atopic disease.

INTRODUCTION OF COMPLEMENTARY FOODS AND FOOD ALLERGIES: NEW STUDIES AND MODERN CLINICAL GUIDELINES

The article is devoted to the issues of introducing complementary foods as prevention of atopy and diet therapy in children with food allergy. Food sensibilization, as a rule, is the initial link of allergy manifestations. It represents the first step of the so-called atopic march, followed by possible development of more severe, including respiratory, manifestations. Considering the fact that allergic diseases are currently one of the most common pathologies with a growing tendency, the correct choice of foods and the timely introduction of complementary foods are relevant, especially for children with hereditary tainted allergies. These products should be as safe as possible, should not cause sensibilization and at the same time should provide the child with the necessary macroand micronutrients. The publication provides an overview of the most relevant studies conducted in this field as well as a modern approach based on evidence-based medicine and presented in the clinical guidelines on food allergy in children developed and approved by the professional association «Union of Pediatricians of Russia».

Probiotics for Prevention of Atopy and Food Hypersensitivity in Early Childhood: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Most studies investigated probiotics on food hypersensitivity, not on oral food challenge confirmed food allergy in children. The authors systematically reviewed the literature to investigate whether probiotic supplementation prenatally and/or postnatally could reduce the risk of atopy and food hypersensitivity in young children.PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and 4 main Chinese literature databases (Wan Fang, VIP, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and SinoMed) were searched for randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of probiotics on the prevention of allergy in children. The last search was conducted on July 11, 2015.Seventeen trials involving 2947 infants were included. The first follow-up studies were analyzed. Pooled analysis indicated that probiotics administered prenatally and postnatally could reduce the risk of atopy (relative risk [RR] 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.92; I2 = 0%), especially when administered prenatally to pregnant mother and postnatally to child (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.57–0.89; I2 = 0%), and the risk of food hypersensitivity (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.61–0.98; I2 = 0%). When probiotics were administered either only prenatally or only postnatally, no effects of probiotics on atopy and food hypersensitivity were observed.Probiotics administered prenatally and postnatally appears to be a feasible way to prevent atopy and food hypersensitivity in young children. The long-term effects of probiotics, however, remain to be defined in the follow-up of existing trials. Still, studies on probiotics and confirmed food allergy, rather than surrogate measure of food hypersensitivity, are warranted.

A clinical reading on “World Allergy Organization-McMaster University Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention (GLAD-P): Probiotics”

To the Editor Since the immunomodulatory properties of probiotics have been described, the effect of probiotic supplementation has been investigated in several trials and it has been also proposed as a preventive intervention for the development of allergic diseases. Recently two important evidence-based recommendations about the use of probiotics in the prevention of allergy were published [1, 2] with conflicting conclusions, in particular the most recent guideline [1] seems to be partially in contradiction with the previous statements about prevention of eczema. For these reasons, we tried to analyze the evidences leading to these recommendations [1] to highlight the aspects that can be more directly related or correlated with clinical practice. This clinical reading was addressed to offer some reflections about the methods used to formulate such recommendations, and the possibility to adopt in the clinical practice the proposed conclusions. We tried to retraces the path proposed by the Authors to analyse three important questions about the efficacy of probiotics in preventing allergic diseases if administrated to pregnant women (first question), to breastfeeding mothers (second question) and in healthy infants (third question). These questions have been investigated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach [3], to perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and formulate recommendations. In summary, the GRADE method aims to define a rigorous and explicit method for the production of clinical recommendations. According to this method, the knowledge of advantages and disadvantages, benefits and risks of an intervention is necessary to make decisions in the health field. The GRADE approach also provides a three-phases decisional framework: a) formulation of a clinical question, with the choice and the formal evaluation of its related outcomes, and systematic evaluation of the scientific literature and the quality of the evidence; b) evaluation of the benefits and risks associated to the intervention, taking also in consideration its feasibility, the necessary resources and the patients’ preferences; c) formal definition of the strength of the recommendation. From a methodological point of view, it should be noted that the recommendations are directed to patients, clinicians and other health care professionals with different objectives, as clearly explained in the guidelines introduction. Each recommendation can have different levels of strength: strong recommendation indicates that patients would like to receive the intervention and that clinicians should actuate it. Conditional or weak recommendation indicates that the majority of patients would like to receive the intervention, but many other not, as well as they hope that clinicians would recognize that different choices may be appropriate for different patients, by taking advantage of decision-making tools to help patients to make consistent choices. In the results section of the guidelines we can read that “Currently available evidence does not indicate that probiotic supplementation reduces the risk of developing * Correspondence: giampaolo.ricci@unibo.it Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Pad 16, via Massarenti 11, 40138 Bologna, Italy Full list of author information is available at the end of the article

ПЕРВИННА ПРОФІЛАКТИКА АЛЕРГІЧНИХ ЗАХВОРЮВАНЬ У ДІТЕЙ НА ПЕРИНАТАЛЬНОМУ ЕТАПІ.

<p>У статтіобґрунтовано доцільність використання алгоритму профілактики розвитку алергічних захворювань у дітей шляхом<br />проведення організаційних заходів щодо поліпшення контролю якості харчової продукції, розробки раціональних<br />підходів до режиму праці, відпочинку й, особливо, харчування вагітних жінок та жінок-годувальниць. Профілактичні<br />заходи повинні виключити вплив та приймання ксенобіотиків як дієвий засіб первинної профілактики атопії в<br />майбутньої дитини. Це дозволить зменшити рівень сенсибілізації плода, попередити її формування та знизити<br />рівень захворюваності на атопію в дітей.</p>

Randomized controlled trial of primary prevention of atopy using house dust mite allergen oral immunotherapy in early childhood

Children born to atopic parents are at increased risk of sensitization to environmental allergens. We sought to demonstrate proof of concept for oral immunotherapy to high-dose house dust mite (HDM) allergen in infancy in the prevention of allergen sensitization and allergic diseases. This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study involving 111 infants less than 1 year of age at high risk of atopy (≥ 2 first-degree relatives with allergic disease) but with negative skin prick test responses to common allergens at randomization. HDM extract (active) and appropriate placebo solution were administered orally twice daily for 12 months, and children were assessed every 3 months. Coprimary outcomes were cumulative sensitization to HDM and sensitization to any common allergen during treatment, whereas development of eczema, wheeze, and food allergy were secondary outcomes. All adverse events were recorded. There was a significant (P = .03) reduction in sensitization to any common allergen (16.0%; 95% CI, 1.7% to 30.4%) in the active (5 [9.4%]) compared with placebo (13 [25.5%]) treatment groups. There was no treatment effect on the coprimary outcome of HDM sensitization and the secondary outcomes of eczema, wheeze, and food allergy. The intervention was well tolerated, with no differences between active and placebo treatments in numbers or nature of adverse events. Prophylactic HDM oral immunotherapy is well tolerated in children at high heredity risk. The results met the trial's prespecified criteria for proof of concept in reducing sensitization to any allergen; however, no significant preventive effect was observed on HDM sensitization or allergy-related symptoms.

Severe Reactions to Cow's Milk in Very Young Infants at Risk of Atopy

Cow's milk (CM) allergy (CMA) is a disease of infancy, usually appearing in the first months of life. Symptoms triggered by CM at first introduction are not completely defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of severe reaction to CM and clinical manifestation triggered by CM administration in the first few months of life. Particularly sensitizing appears to be the exposure to CM formulas in the neonatal nursery. The little doses of allergens are more sensitizing than larger ones. These data provide clear evidence of the immunological effects of oral antigen administration during the neonatal period, therefore babies at risk of atopy should receive in their first day’s colostrum and/or formulas appropriate for atopy prevention. In this prospective study we evaluated 27 babies in order to ascertain the prevalence of CM induced severe reactions.

Allergy immunotherapy: target for primary prevention of atopy?

Allergy immunotherapy: target for primary prevention of atopy?

Immunological Properties of Breast Milk: A Prospective Study in 589 Children Cantani A

Background: Normal neonates are equipped with a limited immunocompetence, therefore they need breast milk (BM), which represent an excellent immune protection for the neonate during the critical period of intestinal vulnerability, due to a great variety of functionally interactive immunological, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating factors. Evidence suggests that the protection afforded by human milk to the recipient infant is greatest when breast-feeding is exclusive and of substantial duration. Material and methods: In this update of an old topic, we shall review its role in atopy prevention as an introduction to the immunological and non-immunological components of BM and colostrum, and the spectrum and mechanisms of the protection of host defenses. Accordingly, we analyzed the propensity for breastfeeding in 289 children with respiratory disease and in 300 control children. Results: The net result is that a high proportion of atopic children (273/289) were breastfed from their mothers and for a longer period of time. Conclusion: This is the best demonstration that breastfeeding is the most effective single nutritional strategy that has been identified for the prevention of the atopic march in vulnerable infants. Therefore we stress that breast-feeding can prevent or ameliorate allergies, although some authors have emphasized the increased hazard of sensitization in breast-fed infants.

The role of hydrolysates for atopy prevention – con

Pediatric Allergy and ImmunologyVolume 24, Issue 8 p. 724-726 Pro and Con The role of hydrolysates for atopy prevention – con Katrina J. Allen, Katrina J. Allen [email protected] Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorAdrian J. Lowe, Adrian J. Lowe Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorShyamali C. Dharmage, Shyamali C. Dharmage Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author Katrina J. Allen, Katrina J. Allen [email protected] Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorAdrian J. Lowe, Adrian J. Lowe Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorShyamali C. Dharmage, Shyamali C. Dharmage Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 02 December 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.12138Citations: 10Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume24, Issue8December 2013Pages 724-726 RelatedInformation

A Synopsis of the Synopses, 2012–2013

This synopsis book reports advances and key observations that will impact the care of children with allergic and immunologic diseases now and in the near future. Reviewers selected many articles that have clinical “pearls” and provide insights that are applicable for daily practice, as well as ones that challenge our previous notions and provide data that may lead to new approaches for diagnosis and treatment. Prevention of atopic disease requires identification of environmental factors that confer risk or provide protection. Studies reviewed here substantially support the “hygiene hypothesis” and suggest that pet exposure and having siblings are protective, whereas use of antibiotics during pregnancy is a risk factor for atopic disease. The Section on Allergy and Immunology–cosponsored Clinical Report on atopy prevention through diet1 continues to ring true with regard to having no restrictions on selection of complementary foods for an infant’s early diet if he or she is otherwise healthy. In fact, studies reviewed here suggest that exposure to a variety of foods, including allergenic ones, in the first year is not likely to induce allergy and may be protective. Vitamin D insufficiency remains a potential risk factor for atopy, presumably because of adverse effects on immune function and regulation, although studies reviewed here present conflicting evidence and randomized trials are needed to better identify the …

The use of prebiotics during the first year of life for atopy prevention and treatment.

The incidence of allergic diseases has increased in recent decades. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of prebiotics for the prevention and treatment of allergic manifestations in children. We sought to conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of prebiotics in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases in children. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, SciELO, IBECS, Web of Science and Clinical Trials databases as well as Google Scholar and the references of the articles identified. Randomised clinical trials, in which one of the treatments was performed with prebiotics and the control group was treated with placebo, were included in the review. The data selection were performed by two reviewers, and the study quality was evaluated according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) items, according to the recommendations for improving the quality of reports of randomised clinical trials. The selected studies showed heterogeneity with regard to the participants, albeit with similar outcomes. The treatment group size ranged from 134 to 259 children, and the studies compared prebiotic to placebo treatment in each group. In general, these articles showed a trend toward less allergic reactions in the groups receiving active therapy with prebiotics. Although there was a trend for reduced allergic symptoms following the administration of prebiotics, there was not sufficient evidence to establish that such treatment is effective for the prevention of allergies in children.