Commensal Bacteria of the GI Tract: Benefits of Probiotic Supplementation (post 5)

The hygiene hypothesis

Atopy is defined as a genetically determined state of hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. Atopic diseases include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema). The “hygiene hypothesis” proposes that the increased prevalence of atopic diseases seen in western societies may be due in part to improved hygiene with resultant reduced exposure of infants to microbes, and subsequent reduction in childhood infections with use of vaccines. For example, in developing countries where large families routinely live among livestock and pets, the incidence of atopic diseases is much lower than in more developed countries.³⁵ Studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between atopic dermatitis and endotoxin exposure, and a direct relationship between increased risk of atopic dermatitis and antibiotic therapy and measles vaccination.³⁶ In one study, atopic infants had more colonic clostridia and fewer bifidobacteria than normal infants. Thus, a higher ratio of pathogenic bacteria compared to beneficial bacteria was seen in atopic infants.³⁷

The data above make it increasingly clear that infants should be given the chance to develop a proper intestinal microbial population with resultant intact mucosal barrier. This has not escaped the notice of the World Health Organization which, with the increasing threat of a worldwide epidemic of antibiotic-resistant microbes, has recommended antibiotic use restrictions and encouraged the use of microbial interference therapy (e.g., probiotics) to control pathogens.¹²

^{Mannatech are conducting research in many different areas, their studies into glyconutrients and health are very well respected.}

Mannatech are based in Texas USA and are listed on the Nasdaq.