PROBIOTICS AS AN ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY FOR CELIAC DISEASE: SYMPTOM RELIEF AND QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Microbiome research

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, causing intestinal damage.
• Probiotics may modulate gut microbiota and alleviate CD-related gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Current management focuses on a strict gluten-free diet, but adjunct therapies are being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a specific probiotic blend compared to a placebo in individuals diagnosed with celiac disease.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on gastrointestinal symptoms, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life in CD patients.

Main Methods:

• 85 adult participants with CD were randomized into two groups over 90 days.
• One group received a daily probiotic blend (Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 1x10^9 CFU/day), while the other received a maltodextrin placebo.
• Participants maintained a gluten-free diet, and outcomes were assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and CD-specific quality of life scores.

Main Results:

• The probiotic group showed significant improvements in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores compared to placebo.
• Enhanced emotional well-being and gastrointestinal symptom relief were observed in the probiotic group.
• Quality of life, measured by CD-QOL scores, significantly improved in participants receiving probiotics.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics, specifically the blend used, contribute to symptom improvement in celiac disease patients.
• The findings suggest probiotics can enhance the quality of life for individuals with CD.
• Probiotics show potential as a beneficial adjunct therapy for celiac disease management.