Innovation
LactoB HN001™ unique immune benefits during early life
A new whitepaper highlights the unique immune and mental health benefits of probiotic SureStart™ LactoB HN001™ for pregnant women, infants and young children.
26 Jul 2022
3 min
NZMP SureStart LactoB HN001™ has changed its name to Nutiani HN001™. For more information about this ingredient, visit nutiani.com
Often referred to as friendly or good bacteria, certain probiotics are shown to support immunity and protect against illness. However, not all probiotics are the same; each strain offers different health benefits and only a few are clinically proven.
Protection from eczema and allergies in infants and kids
In the last few decades, immune-mediated health conditions have been on the rise, with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) or eczema being the most prevalent in infants1. While the main cause of AD/eczema is unknown, evidence suggests that some probiotic strains may help reduce the risk of this condition and other allergies.
SureStart™ LactoB HN001™ has been shown to help protect infants from the onset of eczema2. A reduction in allergies such as hay fever and rhinitis2 has also been observed up to 11 years of age3.
Benefits of LactoB HN001™ for gestational diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common health concerns for pregnant women affecting appropximately 15% globally4. GDM increases the risk of other pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), premature membrane rupture and caesarean section. Offspring of GDM-affected pregnant people are at higher risk of being large for gestational age, developing metabolic complications, and being more predisposed to obesity and type 2 diabetes in later life5.
Lifestyle interventions, including diet and physical exercise, are common ways of treating or preventing GDM. Another emerging intervention is the use of probiotics, possibly due to its positive impact on glucose metabolism and reducing insulin resistance. One study showed that supplementing pregnant people with SureStart™ LactoB HN001™ could reduce the prevalence of GDM by 68% particularly among those aged 35 years or older, or with a history of GDM6.
A new patent has been granted in Europe and Australia to use SureStart™ LactoB HN001™ for treating or preventing GDM, or GDM-associated risks in adults and their infants.
Lowered risk of postnatal depression and anxiety
10-15%
of pregnant women are affected by postnatal depression7
While many studies have shown the positive role of probiotics in supporting gut health and immunity, only certain probiotic strains have shown beneficial effects related to mental health. A recent probiotic SureStart LactoB HN001™ supplementation study showed that those who consumed HN001™ had fewer symptoms of depression and postnatal anxiety8.
SureStart™ LactoB HN001™ presents a chance to offer unique health benefits across the early life period from pregnancy through to childhood.
References
- [1] Nutten S. Atopic Dermatitis: Global Epidemiology and Risk Factors. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015 May 6;66(Suppl. 1):8–16. 26. Fiocchi A, Brozek J, Schünemann H, Bahna SL.
- [2] Wickens K, et al. A differential effect of 2 probiotics in the prevention of eczema and atopy: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Oct; 122:788-94.
- [3] Wickens K, et al. Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in early life on the cumulative prevalence of allergic disease to 11 years. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2018 Dec;29(8):808–14. 35. Wickens K, Stanley.
- [4] Li G, et al. Incidence and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study in Qingdao, China. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020 Sep 11;0:636.
- [5] Xiong X, et al. Gestational diabetes mellitus: prevalence, risk factors, maternal and infant outcomes. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2001 Dec;75(3):221–8.
- [6] Wickens K et al. Early pregnancy probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomised controlled trial. Brit J Nutr 2017 March: 804 – 813.
- [7] SS A, KJ T. Does maternal postpartum depression affect children’s developmental outcomes? J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2019 Sep 1;45(9):1809–20.
- [8] Slykerman RF, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Pregnancy on Postpartum Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Randomised Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial. EBioMedicine. 2017 Oct 1;24:159–65.
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited and its group members involved in the manufacture or sale of NZMP branded products (‘Fonterra’) has provided this ‘NZMP Fast Facts’ for informational purposes only. It does not constitute recommendations or advice for the purposes of making financial decisions regarding trading in dairy products or commodities, or dealing in financial instruments relating to dairy commodities. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of reproducing and interpreting such information, no warranty or representation of such is made and Fonterra shall have no liability in respect of any reliance placed on such information in the formulation of any business decision.
