Probiotics for Moms: Boosting Baby's Health

meta-analysis PMID: 37660760

Quick Summary: Taking probiotics, including Streptococcus thermophilus, during pregnancy or breastfeeding may help improve the health of both mom and baby. This research found that probiotics can increase good bacteria in breast milk and the baby's gut, potentially reducing eczema and infections.

Probiotics and Breast Milk: What's the Connection?

This research looked at many studies to see how probiotics affect moms and babies. The main finding? Moms who took probiotics had breast milk with more beneficial bacteria. This is important because breast milk helps build a baby's immune system and gut health. The study also showed that babies whose mothers took probiotics were less likely to get eczema and infections.

Study Details

Who was studied: The study looked at data from 24 different research studies. These studies included a total of 2,761 moms and 1,756 babies.

How long: The studies varied in length, but they all looked at the effects of probiotics during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

What they took: Moms in the studies took probiotic supplements. These supplements often included Streptococcus thermophilus along with other beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The exact dosage and types of probiotics varied between studies.

What This Means For You

Healthier Babies: If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talking to your doctor about probiotics might be a good idea. Probiotics could help your baby have a stronger immune system and fewer health problems.

Reduced Eczema Risk: The study suggests that probiotics may lower the risk of your baby developing eczema.

Fewer Infections: Probiotics could also help protect your baby from infections.

Talk to Your Doctor: Before taking any supplements, it's always best to talk to your doctor. They can help you find the right probiotic and dosage for you.

Study Limitations

Different Probiotics: The studies used different types and amounts of probiotics. This makes it hard to say exactly which probiotic is best.

More Research Needed: While the results are promising, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of probiotics on babies.

Individual Differences: The study didn't look at how things like a mother's age or health might affect the results.

Key Findings

This meta-analysis found that maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy or lactation significantly increased the detection rate of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and S. boulardii) in breast milk and infant gut microbiomes. Infants of supplemented mothers had a 24% higher likelihood of detecting beneficial bacteria in breast milk (risk difference: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.1–0.37, P < 0.001). Supplementation also reduced infant risks of eczema (risk ratio: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.92, P = 0.01) and infections. The study concluded that maternal probiotics are safe and effective for modulating microbiomes linked to improved infant health.

Study Design

The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2,761 mothers and 1,756 infants. Data sources included PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases up to December 15, 2022. Inclusion criteria required RCTs evaluating probiotic interventions (vs. placebo or no treatment) in pregnant/lactating women, with outcomes on breast milk/infant gut microbiome composition or infant health. Statistical analyses used random-effects models, intention-to-treat approaches, and assessed heterogeneity via I².

Dosage & Administration

The study did not specify uniform dosages or administration protocols across trials. Probiotics varied in strain combinations, duration (timing of supplementation during pregnancy/lactation), and formulations (e.g., capsules, fermented foods). Streptococcus thermophilus was used in combination with other strains (e.g., Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium) in most trials, but exact CFU counts and dosing schedules were not pooled or detailed in the summary.

Results & Efficacy

Breast Milk Microbiome: Probiotics increased beneficial bacteria detection by 24% (risk difference: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.1–0.37, P < 0.001).
Infant Gut Microbiome: Higher abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and lower pathogenic bacteria (e.g., E. coli, C. difficile) were observed.
Infant Health: Probiotics reduced eczema risk (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.92, P = 0.01) and lowered incidence of infections.
Safety: No significant adverse effects were reported, supporting maternal/infant safety.

Limitations

Heterogeneity: High variability across trials (I² not quantified in summary) due to differing strains, dosages, and durations.
Lack of Dose-Response Data: No pooled analysis of CFU thresholds or administration timing for S. thermophilus.
Population Specificity: Demographics (e.g., maternal age, health status) were not detailed, limiting generalizability.
Short-Term Focus: Long-term microbiome or health effects beyond infancy were not assessed.
Publication Bias: Potential for underrepresentation of smaller/negative studies.

Clinical Relevance

Maternal probiotic supplementation, including Streptococcus thermophilus, may be a safe strategy to enrich breast milk microbiomes and promote infant gut health, particularly for reducing eczema and infections. However, variability in dosing and formulations underscores the need for standardized protocols. Clinicians could consider recommending probiotics with these strains to pregnant/lactating women, though individualized guidance is advised. Future research should clarify optimal doses, strain-specific effects, and long-term outcomes.

Note: This analysis is based solely on the provided study summary. Full details on methodology and subgroup analyses may be available in the original publication.

Probiotics for Moms: Boosting Baby's Health