Food allergies are becoming more common every day, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you or your child has food allergies, you may be looking for ways to manage them or even prevent them. Recently, probiotics — tiny microorganisms that are often found in supplements and fermented food — have gained attention as a potential tool for managing food allergies. But can these tiny helpers really make a difference? Let’s explore what science says.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that provide health benefits, especially for the digestive system. Often called “good” bacteria, probiotics help keep a balanced gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in your intestines. This balance is crucial for:

• Digesting food effectively
• Absorbing nutrients properly
• Protecting your body from harmful bacteria

These good bacteria are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso. They are also available as dietary supplements sold as capsules, powders, or liquids. The most common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are believed to support gut health and may influence immune function.

How Are Probiotics Connected to Food Allergies?

Food allergies happen when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, causing an allergic reaction. Common allergens include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy
• Fish
• Shellfish

Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms, like hives or stomach pain, to severe, life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.

Interestingly, around 70 percent of your immune system is located in the gut, where it interacts with gut bacteria. This link between gut health and the immune system has led scientists to explore whether probiotics could reduce or even stop allergic reactions.

What Does the Research Say?

The idea that probiotics could help manage or prevent food allergies is appealing, but the evidence is still evolving. Some studies show promise, while others highlight the complexity of the issue.

Probiotics and Infants

One of the most researched areas is the impact of probiotics on infants, particularly those at high risk for developing allergies. Several studies suggest that giving probiotics to pregnant women or newborns might reduce the risk of developing eczema, a skin condition often linked to food allergies. For example, one review of the current research found that certain probiotics might help prevent eczema in infants when taken by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Eczema is often a sign that a child might develop food allergies. By potentially reducing eczema, probiotics could play a role in preventing food allergies before they start.

However, these findings do not prove that probiotics can prevent food allergies directly. The studies focused on eczema rather than food allergies, so while the connection is possible, it hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Probiotics and Established Food Allergies

When it comes to individuals who already have food allergies, the research is less conclusive. A review of several studies on using probiotics for treating food allergies found mixed results. Some studies suggested that probiotics might help manage food allergies. However, results were inconsistent, with different studies showing varying results.

The researchers concluded that more studies are needed to determine which strains of probiotics, if any, are effective in managing food allergies. In some cases, probiotics might help reduce the severity of allergic reactions by supporting gut health. However, they should not replace proven allergy management strategies like avoiding allergens and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.

Should Adults With Food Allergies Take Probiotics?

Since the research isn’t conclusive, should you take probiotics if you have food allergies? Here are some key points to consider:

Safety

Probiotics are generally considered safe for most people, including children, and may offer health benefits, especially for gut health.

Evidence

While there is some evidence that probiotics might help manage or prevent food allergies, the research is not strong enough to make a broad recommendation.

Medical Advice

It’s essential to consult with a health care provider before starting probiotics, especially for children. A health care provider can help determine the right type and dosage of probiotics and monitor any potential effects on allergy symptoms.

What About Children With a Family History of Food Allergies?

If your child has a family history of food allergies, you might be particularly interested in probiotics. Some research suggests that introducing probiotics early in life might lower the risk of developing allergic conditions like eczema, often linked to food allergies.

One study found that infants at high risk of developing eczema benefited from probiotics. Those infants showed a lower incidence of the condition than those who did not receive probiotics.

However, the evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend probiotics as a preventive measure for all children, particularly those with a family history of food allergies. Decisions about probiotics should be made with a pediatrician who can provide guidance based on the latest research and your child’s specific health needs.

How Can You Tell if Probiotics Are Impacting Your Food Allergy?

If you decide to try probiotics, how will you know if they’re making a difference in your or your child’s food allergy symptoms? Tracking changes can be challenging because the effects of probiotics are not always seen immediately. Effects can also vary depending on the individual and the type of probiotics used.

Here are some signs that probiotics might be having an impact:

• Improved digestion — One of the most common benefits of probiotics is improved digestion. If you notice fewer gastrointestinal issues or better overall digestion, it could be a sign that the probiotics are helping your gut health. This may, in turn, boost your immune system’s response to allergens.
• Reduced allergic reactions — If you or your child experience fewer or less severe allergic reactions after starting probiotics, this might suggest they are having a positive effect. However, allergic reactions can vary in intensity for many reasons, so it’s crucial to keep detailed records of any changes.
• Better skin health — For individuals with eczema related to food allergies, improvements in skin condition could indicate that probiotics are helping. Since eczema is often linked to the immune system’s response to allergens, better skin health might be a sign that probiotics are positively influencing your immune function.

To determine whether probiotics are having an impact, it’s a good idea to keep a journal of symptoms and write down any changes you notice after starting probiotics. Share this information with your health care provider, who can help you assess whether the probiotics are making a difference and whether you need to make any adjustments to your regimen.

The Verdict on Probiotics for Managing Food Allergies

Probiotics are a promising area of research, particularly because of their connection to gut health and the immune system. While there are many potential benefits, the evidence remains inconclusive. The research is still evolving, however. While probiotics are considered safe, they should complement, not replace, proven allergy management strategies.

As research continues, we may learn more about how these tiny organisms can help manage food allergies. Until then, staying informed and working closely with your health care provider is the best way to ensure you are taking the right steps to manage your or your child’s food allergies effectively.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with food allergies.

Are you living with food allergies? Have you tried taking probiotics to manage your symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.