Probiotics Relieve Birch Pollen Allergy

COPENHAGEN—Dietary supplementation with probiotic cultures may relieve the symptoms of birch pollen allergy, according to a new study from Turku University Hospital and Turku University in collaboration with Danisco Health & Nutrition in Finland.

The study found a daily dose of two documented probiotic cultures, combined at a specific ratio, reduced the inflammatory response in the nasal mucus membranes to birch pollen and produced indications that respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and nasal blocking, were alleviated by approximately 20 percent each.

The findings are a first step toward developing a probiotic alternative or supplement to traditional antihistamine treatments, which can give side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.