[Immune modulation with Kanne-Brottrunk to prevent pollinosis: a 1-year observational study with follow-up]

The immune enhancing properties of probiotics are scientifically well documented. Whether Kanne- Brottrunk (Selm-Bork, Germany) may play a preventive role in Pollinosis, was investigated in this study for the first time.

30 volunteers with pollinosis and a mean disease duration of 20 years agreed to consume 0.7 l Kanne-Brottrunk daily for one year. At the beginning and at the end of the study and one year later they retrospectively rated their pollinosis related quality of life during the previous pollinosis season with a disease specific questionnaire (FLQA: Freiburg Life Quality Assessment). Additionally, the change was rated directly and status was assessed in November 2002, January 2003, May 2003 and November 2003.

24 volunteers finished the study, although some of them consumed less than 0.7 l daily. 17 out of 20 assessed participants (85%) rated their pollinosis in the treatment year as 'very much better' or 'much better' (57% in the follow-up year). In 2003, the FLQA showed clinically relevant effect sizes (0.85-2.29) and statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) for all six scales. In 2004, the improvements were slightly less pronounced (effect sizes 0.89-1.53) and were statistically significant for 4 scales (p < 0.05). 12 patients reported a relevant reduction or cessation of medication and many reported improvements of other immune related conditions.

The observed improvements under regular daily consumption of Kanne-Brottrunk were marked and statistically significant. A randomized controlled trial would be necessary to allow causal conclusions.