Hay Fever, Pollen, Grasses – Could the Solution Lie in the Microbiome?

Allergies are on the rise and result from an exaggerated immune system response to allergens.

Whether it’s respiratory allergies (seasonal or persistent rhinitis, asthma), skin allergies (infantile atopic dermatitis, eczema), or food intolerances, they now affect over 20% of the population—even from a very young age.

It is now well recognized that an imbalanced gut microbiome increases the prevalence of allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Supplementing with specific beneficial bacteria (probiotics) helps strengthen the microbiome’s barrier effect (limiting the passage of harmful intruders—known as intestinal permeability issues) and modulate immune cell activity.

Understanding the Allergy Mechanism

Just like other modern health issues—such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or stress—allergies are influenced significantly by changes in diet and lifestyle, contributing to chronic, non-infectious inflammatory conditions.

Despite the many forms of allergy (seasonal allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, eczema, food allergies), they all share one thing in common: an inappropriate and poorly regulated immune and inflammatory response to certain allergens.

An allergic reaction typically involves three stages:
1. Initial, silent sensitization of the body upon contact with the allergen
2. Immediate immune response
3. Delayed inflammatory response

At each stage, the intestinal ecosystem—particularly the microbiome—plays a vital role, since 60% of the immune cells in the body reside in the gut.

The gut ecosystem consists of a rich and diverse bacterial flora (the microbiome), a mucosal barrier that acts as a selective filter, and a robust submucosal immune system.

The Link Between the Microbiome and Allergies

Many scientific studies confirm the essential role of the microbiome in the development, regulation, and balance of the immune system. In allergic individuals, the microbiome has a different composition compared to healthy, non-allergic individuals.

For example, children with atopic dermatitis tend to have more Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Enterobacteria, whereas healthy subjects typically have more Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
We also know that breastfeeding provides protection against future allergic manifestations—breast milk naturally contains high levels of Bifidobacteria, which help shield infants from allergies.

➡️ A direct link has been established between microbiome imbalance and the prevalence of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Yet modern lifestyle factors—stress, poor diet, medications, antibiotics—can all disrupt the intestinal ecosystem and the balance of the microbiome.

The Role and Potential of Probiotics in Allergy Management

The intake of certain probiotic strains has proven beneficial not only in rebalancing the microbiome, but also in allergy support:

– Specific strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli have been associated with a reduction in allergic symptoms in infants, children, and adolescents.
– A Japanese study in children showed that administering Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics improved symptoms of allergic rhinitis and certain atopic dermatitis conditions.

However, not all probiotic strains have these effects. Comparative studies have shown that the benefits depend entirely on the selected strains.

Research highlights several strains that have demonstrated significant results in allergy support:
Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus paracasei NC2461, Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0343.

➡️ Improvements have been observed in various allergic manifestations such as allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal rhinitis, infant atopic dermatitis, asthma, and even some food intolerances (e.g., lactose).

Thus, probiotic supplementation shows great promise both in preventing allergies in at-risk individuals (such as those with a family history of atopy) and in supporting the management of allergic symptoms.

Allergic predisposition or symptoms? Consult your healthcare professional for advice.