A randomized controlled trial reveals that a heat-treated postbiotic significantly reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms, offering a new microbiome-based avenue for the millions who find standard therapies inadequate.
The 8-week, double-blind study involved 72 adults with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis. Participants received either a live probiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (PRO), a heat-treated postbiotic of the same strain (POST), or a placebo, all alongside their standard medication.
Results showed the POST group achieved a statistically significant reduction on the Combined Symptom and Medication Score (CSMS) versus placebo, with a 33.15% greater improvement-surpassing the threshold for clinical benefit set by the World Allergy Organization. Quality of life scores also improved in the POST group. In contrast, the live probiotic group showed only non-significant improvements.
Researchers say these findings highlight the potential of postbiotics as a novel adjunct therapy for allergic rhinitis, though larger multi-center trials are needed to confirm the results.