Lessen Your Baby's Risk of Developing Eczema

The July 26 online issue of the Archives of Disease in Childhood published a study which demonstrated that supplementing infant formula with a certain 'prebiotic' mixture may lessen a child's risk of developing eczema later in life.

This 'prebiotic' mixture boosts the child's immature immune system by encouraging the growth of a certain kind of intestinal bacteria. This bacteria can help high-risk babies from developing allergies.

Some physicians have noted that this study only researched babies who had family history of allergies; but many allergies develop without any family history.

More study is needed before doctors recommend 'prebiotics' to prevent illness.

The intriguing thing about this research is that it may prevent problems before they arise- saving children from needless suffering, and saving health care dollars at the same time.