Kevin Meza Achahue, Scientist - R&D Specialist at Bifidice. 3 minutes reading.
With over 20% of the global population affected, allergies have become a highly prevalent health issue [1]. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system recognizes certain substances as a potential threat. Contact with these allergens can lead to a strong immune response or even shock, resulting in symptoms ranging from skin rashes to swelling and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. How can the intestinal microbiota contribute to either alleviating or exacerbating allergic conditions? And what does Bifidice have to offer on this matter?
Let's review: The Gut Microbiota and Allergies
While the exact molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood, numerous studies have linked the composition of the human microbiota to the likelihood of developing allergies [2]. Furthermore, research is already suggesting the use of specific bacterial species to enhance immune system tolerance, with the microbiota being considered a therapeutic target [3][4].
Numerous studies have linked the composition of the human microbiota to the likelihood of developing allergies
Factors such as a mother's nutrition during pregnancy, the mode of childbirth, breastfeeding, exposure to antibiotics, and lifestyle choices can influence an individual's microbiota composition and may also be associated with the development of allergies to varying degrees, particularly respiratory, skin, and food allergies [5][6][7].
For more information on food allergies, we invite you to explore our blog post titled “Links between gut microbiota & food allergies”
Curious about the relationship between maternal microbiota and newborns? Find out more in our blog post titled “How does maternal microbiota impact newborns?”
What Can Bifidice Do?
From the very beginning, we've had a singular and ambitious goal: to bring our technology closer to help 100.000.000 families combat allergies and chronic diseases. In the case of allergies, we've discovered that the consumption of Bifidice ice cream, fortified with Bifidobacterium bifidum, can effectively alleviate various allergy-related symptoms.
One of our most compelling examples comes from a study conducted in 2003 at Siberian State Medical University involving 7,939 patients. The study concluded that daily consumption of Bifidice ice cream for 30 days led to a significant reduction in symptoms associated with skin allergies in 96 out of 189 patients, ranging in age from 2 to 45 years.
Additionally, our consumers have shared positive results from using Bifidice to combat allergies:
"At Ombú, we've implemented the Bifidice program for preschools, and the truth is, we've achieved excellent results. Those children who used to frequently miss school due to allergies or various seasonal illnesses have noticeably improved their health."
— María José Buttazzoni, Owner of Ombú Kindergarten, Empresas 2050, CNN
"To be honest, we've significantly reduced the number of colds, antibiotic use, and doctor visits (thanks to Bifidice consumption)."
— Alejandra Bustamante, Parent of a Child at Ombú Kindergarten, Empresas 2050, CNN
"(After her daughter consumed Bifidice), their 'tummy' changed, and then we started to notice a change in colds. A cold was no longer a week or ten days, which is how long a virus 'lives'..., the cold was now just 3 days. From that point on, we never stopped consuming it."
— Valeria Cayo, Bifidice Consumer, Café Social, Caja Los Andes
At Bifidice, we are continually striving to discover innovative solutions that enable you to better enjoy allergy seasons, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of your quality of life and that of your loved ones.
References
[1] American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Allergy Statistics. https://www.aaaai.org/about/news/for-media/allergy-statistics
[2] Melli, L. C. F. L., do Carmo-Rodrigues, M. S., Araújo-Filho, H. B., Solé, D., & de Morais, M. B. (2016). Intestinal microbiota and allergic diseases: A systematic review. Allergologia et Immunopathologia (Madr), 44(2), 177-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aller.2015.01.013
[3] Pascal, M., Perez-Gordo, M., Caballero, T., Escribese, M. M., Lopez Longo, M. N., Luengo, O., Manso, L., Matheu, V., Seoane, E., Zamorano, M., Labrador, M., & Mayorga, C. (2018). Microbiome and Allergic Diseases. Frontiers in Immunology, 9, 1584. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.01584
[4] Fiocchi, A., Cabana, M. D., & Mennini, M. (2022). Current Use of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 10(9), 2219-2242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2022.06.038
[5] Bunyavanich, S., & Berin, M. C. (2019). Food Allergy and the Microbiome: Current Understandings and Future Directions. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 144(6), 1468–1477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2019.10.019
[6] Han, P., Gu, J.-Q., Li, L.-S., Wang, X.-Y., Wang, H.-T., Wang, Y., Chang, C., & Sun, J.-L. (2021). The Association Between Intestinal Bacteria and Allergic Diseases—Cause or Consequence? Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 11, 650893. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.650893
[7] Watts, A. M., West, N. P., Zhang, P., Smith, P. K., Cripps, A. W., & Cox, A. J. (2021). The Gut Microbiome of Adults with Allergic Rhinitis Is Characterized by Reduced Diversity and an Altered Abundance of Key Microbial Taxa Compared to Controls. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 182(2), 94-105. https://doi.org/10.1159/000510536
[8] Gutkevich E.A., Maevskaya Z.A., Sapugoltseva O.B (2003) "Bifidice" fortified with bifidum and lactic bacteria usage experience at nutrition of children and teenagers at educational institutions. Children dietology issues,.1(4), 30 – 34.