Media Release
From: Griffith UniversityGriffith researchers changing hay fever studies
Griffith University research indicates that the beneficial effects of probiotics for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever, may depend on specific immune profiles.
Griffith’s research team at the Menzies Health Institute QLD previously found that eight weeks of supplementation with a specific multi-species probiotic (Ecologic® Allergycare, PROBIOTIK®PUR) reduced symptoms of allergic rhinitis and medication use.
In a follow up study funded by Winclove and Nutrimmun and published in Genes, the research team examined differences between responders and non-responders, that revealed significant differences in the immune system between the two groups that could explain the different responses.
This finding is consistent with evidence that the “one size fits all” approach to treating hayfever is not appropriate.
Whilst noting that not all people with allergies respond to treatment in a similar way, Dr Pete Smith of Queensland Allergy Services and a member of the study team said, “our study may allow us to personalise probiotic treatment for individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis.”
Dr Nic West of Griffith University adds that the evidence base for the role of probiotics in allergy continues to increase.
“The results from our study will allow us to conduct targeted research to find strategies people can use during the pollen season,” said Dr West.
Hay fever is a chronic disorder that has a serious impact on quality of life for up to 30% of the general population. Sadly, current treatment options are costly and do not tackle the underlying cause of the disorder.
