A preclinical study shows that a probiotic derived from human milk can significantly reduce the severity of food allergies. Researchers tested Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CCFM1269 in a mouse model of food allergy.
Oral administration of the probiotic led to marked improvements in clinical symptoms, including reduced diarrhea, better weight gain, and lower overall allergy scores. These benefits were linked to significant immunological changes: levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-17A dropped, while anti-inflammatory markers IL-10 and IFN-γ increased.
The probiotic also strengthened intestinal barrier function by increasing tight junction proteins like Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1, and improved oxidative stress markers.
Microbiome analysis revealed that CCFM1269 reshaped gut microbial composition, with shifts correlating to better immune responses and barrier function. While these findings are based on a mouse model, they support the potential of human milk-derived probiotics as a novel strategy for managing food allergies.