Probiotic Supplementation Enhances the Effects of a Nutritional Intervention on Quality of Life in Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis-A Double-Blind Randomised Study.

Background

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is characterised by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. The impact of a health-promoting diet and probiotics on health and quality of life, as well as on the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO), is increasingly being researched. However, the relevance of these factors to the course of HT is yet to be fully established.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a 12-week nutritional intervention, comprising a rational, health-promoting diet supplemented with the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v), on eating habits, nutritional status, health and quality of life in patients diagnosed with HT.

Methods

The 12-week study involved 64 female patients with HT, divided into two groups: the NE+Lp299v group, which received nutritional education and Lp299v (n = 32); and the NE+placebo group, which received nutritional education and placebo (n = 32). Before and after the intervention, anthropometric parameters, body composition analysis, blood pressure, blood anti-TPO levels, dietary habits, quality of life, and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed.

Results

The NE+Lp299v intervention improved overall quality of life (60.94 pts. vs. 35.94 pts.), including 12 of 14 domains, and the diet quality index (11.03 pts. vs. 18.50 pts.). The NE+placebo group improved overall quality of life (54.69 pts. vs. 39.84 pts.), including 3 of 14 domains, and the diet quality index (12.34 pts. vs. 19.18 pts.). Anti-TPO blood levels and body mass index did not improve in either group.

Conclusions

Lp299v can enhance the efficacy of nutritional education in improving the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with HT. However, these benefits appear to be independent of anti-TPO levels.