Molecular Mechanism and Clinical Effects of Probiotics in the Management of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jun 6;24(12):9781. doi: 10.3390/ijms24129781.

Abstract

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy (FA) in infancy, affecting approximately 2% of children under 4 years of age. According to recent studies, the increasing prevalence of FAs can be associated with changes in composition and function of gut microbiota or "dysbiosis". Gut microbiota regulation, mediated by probiotics, may modulate the systemic inflammatory and immune responses, influencing the development of allergies, with possible clinical benefits. This narrative review collects the actual evidence of probiotics' efficacy in the management of pediatric CMPA, with a specific focus on the molecular mechanisms of action. Most studies included in this review have shown a beneficial effect of probiotics in CMPA patients, especially in terms of achieving tolerance and improving symptoms.

Keywords: children; cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA); microbiota; pediatric; probiotics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Female
  • Food Hypersensitivity*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Milk Hypersensitivity* / therapy
  • Milk Proteins
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Milk Proteins

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.