Effects of synbiotics on house dust mite allergic symptoms: a baseline-controlled open-label study

The objective of this work is to evaluate the potential contribution of synbiotics in controlling allergic symptoms to house dust mite (HDM) in humans. Thirty subjects were recruited on the basis of their allergy to HDM. A susceptibility allergenic individual test using the Bordignon-Parmiani method was carried out before and after a six-months synbiotic treatment. The allergic symptomatology, bowel well-being and the health related quality of life (General Well-Being Index) were evaluated at the end of the treatment by using questionnaires. The persistence of SYNBIO® probiotic strains in the gastrointestinal tract of a cohort of 15 subjects was checked. The subjects showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) of wheal areas after the six-months period treatment. Seventeen subjects out of 30 showed a significant reduction of sensitization (P<0.05) to HDM allergens. The questionnaires showed positive effects of synbiotic treatment together with a reduction of allergy symptomatology. The persistence of probiotic strains in the gastrointestinal tract checked by the recovery of probiotic bacteria from the faeces of a cohort of 15 subjects was demonstrated. The administration of synbiotic treatment on subjects with HDM allergy determined a reduction of sensitization and symptomatology given a sensation of “feeling good”. This is a first study that evaluates the potential of new dietary supplements based on synbiotics for allergy prevention and treatment to HDM.