The Long-Term Safety and Quality of Life Effects of Oats in Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

Abstract

The treatment of choice for dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease, is a life-long gluten-free diet (GFD). In a GFD, wheat, rye and barley should be strictly avoided, but the role of oats is more controversial. This study aimed to investigate the safety and long-term quality of life and health effects of oat consumption in 312 long-term treated DH patients. Baseline data were gathered from patient records and follow-up data from questionnaires or interviews, and validated questionnaires were used to assess quality of life. We found that altogether 256 patients (82%) were consuming oats as part of their GFD at the follow-up. Long-term follow-up data showed that there were no differences in the presence of long-term illnesses, coeliac disease complications or the usage of medication between those consuming and not consuming oats. However, oat consumers had a better quality of life and reported ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms less frequently (4% vs 19%, p = 0.004) at the follow-up than those not consuming oats. The study established that oats are safe for DH patients and in the long-term seem to improve the quality of life of DH patients.

• Authors: Anna Alakoski, Kaisa Hervonen, Eriika Mansikka, Timo Reunala, Katri Kaukinen, Laura Kivelä, Pilvi Laurikka, Heini Huhtala, Kalle Kurppa, Teea Salmi
• Journal: Nutrients (Nutrients) Vol. 12 Issue 4 (Apr 11 2020) ISSN: 2072-6643 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 32290504 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Avena
• Celiac Disease (complications)
• Cohort Studies
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis (diet therapy, etiology)
• Diet, Gluten-Free
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Quality of Life
• Safety