Probiotics supplements for the prevention of atopic dermatitis in children: an umbrella review.

INTRODUCTION

Previous meta-analyses of multiple studies have suggested that probiotics supplementation plays a role in reducing the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the conclusions of these studies remain controversial.

METHODS

We conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the evidence regarding the association between probiotics and AD. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Spous, and Cochrane Library databases for meta-analyses and systematic reviews up to October 2024. Our selection criteria encompassed meta-analyses of cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled clinical trials investigating the associations between probiotics and the risk of AD. We also assessed the levels of evidence for these associations using the AMSTAR 2 criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 32 eligible articles, including 126 meta-analyses, were included for qualitative synthesis in this umbrella review. The results indicate that probiotics supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of AD. The subgroup analysis indicates that supplementation with spp., single-strain, and multi-strain probiotics is associated with a reduced risk of AD, with multi-strain formulations potentially demonstrating more pronounced effects. Furthermore, both combined prenatal and postnatal supplementation, as well as postnatal supplementation alone, contribute to a reduction in AD risk.

DISCUSSION

Probiotics supplementation may help reduce the risk of AD, with early-life administration playing a key role. Future research should focus on well-designed randomized controlled trials that account for potential sources of bias in order to provide evidence-based public health recommendations.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (International00 Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) under the registration number CRD42024599789. The publicly accessible registration record is available at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024599789.