Abstract
- Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of a supplementary diet containing the heat-killed lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus paracasei K71 on adult patients with atopic dermatitis who were undergoing conventional treatments. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, and nutritional interventions are increasingly evaluated as complementary strategies to support standard management.
- Methods
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted involving 34 adult subjects with atopic dermatitis who were treated with conventional topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus. Participants were supplemented with either the Lactobacillus paracasei K71 diet or a placebo over a 12-week intervention period. The primary endpoint was the clinical severity of atopic dermatitis, evaluated using the severity scoring system proposed by the Japanese Dermatological Association guidelines. Secondary evaluations included itch scores via visual analog scales, quality-of-life impairment scores using Skindex-16, and the consumption amounts of topical therapeutics. Data were collected at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12.
- Results
Within the study population, skin severity scores were significantly decreased from baseline at week 8 and week 12 in the Lactobacillus paracasei K71 diet group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Although no statistically significant differences were found for itch scores or quality-of-life impairment scores, the total consumption of topical therapeutics in the placebo group was 1.9 times greater than in the intervention group during the study. Furthermore, no adverse events related to the diets were observed.
- Conclusions
The Lactobacillus paracasei K71 diet may provide significant benefits as a complementary therapy for adult patients with atopic dermatitis who are managed with conventional treatments, helping to reduce clinical severity and topical medication use without adverse effects.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49787359_Beneficial_effect_of_a_diet_containing_heat-killed_Lactobacillus_paracasei_K71_on_adult_type_atopic_dermatitis_Effect_of_L_paracasei_diet_on_adult_AD