Scolaris Content Display Scolaris Content Display

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 3 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 3 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 4 Asthma.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 4 Asthma.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 5 Eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 5 Eczema.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 6 Atopic eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 6 Atopic eczema.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 7 Allergic rhinitis.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 7 Allergic rhinitis.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 8 Food allergy.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 8 Food allergy.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 9 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 9 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 10 Cow's milk protein allergy.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 10 Cow's milk protein allergy.

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 11 Urticaria.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1 Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants, Outcome 11 Urticaria.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 2 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 2 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 3 Asthma.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 3 Asthma.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 4 Eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 4 Eczema.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 5 Atopic eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 5 Atopic eczema.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 6 Allergic rhinitis.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 6 Allergic rhinitis.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 7 Food allergy.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 7 Food allergy.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 8 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.8

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 8 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 9 Urticaria.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.9

Comparison 2 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 9 Urticaria.

Comparison 3 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 1 Atopic eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 1 Atopic eczema.

Comparison 3 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 2 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 2 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.

Comparison 3 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 3 Cow's milk protein allergy.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity, Outcome 3 Cow's milk protein allergy.

Comparison 4 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk, Outcome 1 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk, Outcome 1 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).

Comparison 4 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk, Outcome 2 Eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 4.2

Comparison 4 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk, Outcome 2 Eczema.

Comparison 4 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk, Outcome 3 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 4.3

Comparison 4 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk, Outcome 3 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.

Comparison 5 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula, Outcome 1 Atopic eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula, Outcome 1 Atopic eczema.

Comparison 5 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula, Outcome 2 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula, Outcome 2 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.

Comparison 5 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula, Outcome 3 Cow's milk protein allergy.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula, Outcome 3 Cow's milk protein allergy.

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 1 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.1

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 1 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 2 Asthma.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.2

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 2 Asthma.

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 3 Eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.3

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 3 Eczema.

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 4 Atopic eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.4

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 4 Atopic eczema.

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 5 Allergic rhinitis.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.5

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 5 Allergic rhinitis.

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 6 Urticaria.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.6

Comparison 6 Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula, Outcome 6 Urticaria.

Comparison 7 Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.1

Comparison 7 Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.

Comparison 7 Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 2 Eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.2

Comparison 7 Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 2 Eczema.

Comparison 7 Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 3 Atopic eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.3

Comparison 7 Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 3 Atopic eczema.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.1

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 1 All allergic disease.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 2 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.2

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 2 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms).

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 3 Asthma.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.3

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 3 Asthma.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 4 Eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.4

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 4 Eczema.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 5 Atopic eczema.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.5

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 5 Atopic eczema.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 6 Allergic rhinitis.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.6

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 6 Allergic rhinitis.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 7 Food allergy.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.7

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 7 Food allergy.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 8 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.8

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 8 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 9 Cow's milk protein allergy.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.9

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 9 Cow's milk protein allergy.

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 10 Urticaria.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.10

Comparison 8 Specific probiotic versus no probiotic, Outcome 10 Urticaria.

Comparison 1. Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 All allergic disease Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Infant incidence

1

925

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.75, 1.08]

1.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Food hypersensitivity

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Infant incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms) Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Infant incidence

2

247

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.27, 4.03]

3.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

4 Asthma Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Infant incidence

2

363

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.38, 1.80]

4.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

4.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.06 [0.33, 28.46]

5 Eczema Show forest plot

5

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Infant incidence

5

1477

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.82 [0.70, 0.95]

5.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

5.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.57 [0.33, 0.97]

6 Atopic eczema Show forest plot

4

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Infant incidence

4

1356

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.80 [0.62, 1.02]

6.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

6.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

7 Allergic rhinitis Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.24 [0.03, 2.15]

7.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

7.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.04 [0.75, 5.56]

8 Food allergy Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Infant incidence

1

175

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.54 [0.70, 3.37]

8.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

8.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

9 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

9.1 Infant incidence

3

239

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.49 [0.75, 2.96]

9.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

9.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.15, 6.97]

10 Cow's milk protein allergy Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

10.1 Infant incidence

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.41 [0.02, 9.84]

10.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

10.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

11 Urticaria Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

11.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.94 [0.31, 27.73]

11.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

11.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 1. Probiotic versus no probiotic ‐ all infants
Comparison 2. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 All allergic disease Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Infant incidence

1

925

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.75, 1.08]

1.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms) Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Infant incidence

2

247

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.27, 4.03]

2.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Asthma Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Infant incidence

2

363

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.38, 1.80]

3.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.06 [0.33, 28.46]

4 Eczema Show forest plot

5

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Infant incidence

5

1477

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.82 [0.70, 0.95]

4.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

4.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.57 [0.33, 0.97]

5 Atopic eczema Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Infant incidence

3

1284

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.63, 1.04]

5.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

5.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

6 Allergic rhinitis Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.24 [0.03, 2.15]

6.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

6.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.04 [0.75, 5.56]

7 Food allergy Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Infant incidence

1

175

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.54 [0.70, 3.37]

7.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

7.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

8 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Infant incidence

2

167

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.96 [0.93, 4.14]

8.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

8.3 Childhood prevalence

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.15, 6.97]

9 Urticaria Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

9.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.94 [0.31, 27.73]

9.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

9.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 2. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants at high risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity
Comparison 3. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Atopic eczema Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Infant incidence

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.63 [0.21, 1.89]

1.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Infant incidence

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.18 [0.01, 3.32]

2.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Cow's milk protein allergy Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Infant incidence

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.41 [0.02, 9.84]

3.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 3. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants not selected for risk of allergy or food hypersensitivity
Comparison 4. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms) Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Infant incidence

1

59

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [0.17, 7.34]

1.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Eczema Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Infant incidence

1

57

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.32 [0.12, 0.85]

2.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Infant incidence

1

60

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.14 [0.59, 7.77]

3.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 4. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed exclusive human milk
Comparison 5. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Atopic eczema Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Infant incidence

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.63 [0.21, 1.89]

1.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Infant incidence

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.18 [0.01, 3.32]

2.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Cow's milk protein allergy Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Infant incidence

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.41 [0.02, 9.84]

3.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 5. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed cow's milk formula
Comparison 6. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms) Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.14, 6.81]

1.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Asthma Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.27, 1.72]

2.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Eczema Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.70, 1.53]

3.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

4 Atopic eczema Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.32, 1.14]

4.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

4.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

5 Allergic rhinitis Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.24 [0.03, 2.15]

5.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

5.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

6 Urticaria Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Infant incidence

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.94 [0.31, 27.73]

6.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

6.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 6. Probiotic versus no probiotic in infants fed a hydrolysed formula
Comparison 7. Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 All allergic disease Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Infant incidence

1

925

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.75, 1.08]

1.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Eczema Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Infant incidence

1

925

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.66, 0.99]

2.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Atopic eczema Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Infant incidence

1

922

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.70 [0.51, 0.96]

3.2 Childhood incidence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Childhood prevalence

0

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 7. Probiotic with added prebiotic versus no probiotic
Comparison 8. Specific probiotic versus no probiotic

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 All allergic disease Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 L. rhamnosus, B. Breve and P. freudenreichii (with GOS) (infant incidence)

1

925

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.75, 1.08]

2 Food hypersensitivity (gastrointestinal symptoms) Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 L. reuteri (infant incidence)

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.14, 6.81]

2.2 L. rhamnosus strain GG (infant incidence)

1

59

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [0.17, 7.34]

3 Asthma Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 L. reuteri (infant incidence)

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.27, 1.72]

3.2 L. acidophilus (infant incidence)

1

175

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.32 [0.30, 5.72]

3.3 L. rhamnosus strain GG (childhood prevalence)

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.06 [0.33, 28.46]

4 Eczema Show forest plot

5

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 L. reuteri (infant incidence)

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.70, 1.53]

4.2 L. rhamnosus strain GG (infant incidence)

2

189

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.45 [0.29, 0.72]

4.3 L. rhamnosus, B. Breve and P. freudenreichii (with GOS) (infant incidence)

1

925

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.66, 0.99]

4.4 L. acidophilus (infant incidence)

1

175

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.10 [0.77, 1.58]

4.5 L. rhamnosus strain GG (childhood prevalence)

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.57 [0.33, 0.97]

5 Atopic eczema Show forest plot

4

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 L. reuteri (infant incidence)

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.32, 1.14]

5.2 L. rhamnosus strain GG (infant incidence)

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.63 [0.21, 1.89]

5.3 L. rhamnosus, B. Breve and P. freudenreichii (with GOS) (infant incidence)

1

922

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.70 [0.51, 0.96]

5.4 L. acidophilus (infant incidence)

1

174

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.87 [1.00, 3.52]

6 Allergic rhinitis Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 L. reuteri (infant incidence)

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.24 [0.03, 2.15]

6.2 L. rhamnosus strain GG (childhood prevalence)

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.04 [0.75, 5.56]

7 Food allergy Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 L. acidophilus (infant incidence)

1

175

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.54 [0.70, 3.37]

8 Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 L. rhamnosus strain GG (infant incidence)

3

239

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.49 [0.75, 2.96]

8.2 L. rhamnosus strain GG (childhood prevalence)

1

107

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.15, 6.97]

9 Cow's milk protein allergy Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

9.1 L. rhamnosus strain GG (infant incidence)

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.41 [0.02, 9.84]

10 Urticaria Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

10.1 L. rhamnosus strain GG (infant incidence)

1

188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.94 [0.31, 27.73]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 8. Specific probiotic versus no probiotic