Lim NR, et al. - This work appraised the published literature and yielded beneficial conclusions for clinicians faced with dietary questions in atopic dermatitis (AD). Few promising results and several areas requiring additional study were yielded. Strict diet management did not appear to be effective in the treatment of AD in maximum patients. Further evidence was lacking to form a strong foundation for recommendations regarding the utility and role of elimination diets in AD management.

Methods

• Data was extracted from the PubMed.
• It analyzed the dietary interventions for AD in children and adults through July 2016.
• The inclusion criteria were the English language, studies assessing one or more forms of dietary modification for the treatment of AD.
• The excluded studies included those of supplementation, such as with vitamins, minerals, or probiotics, and on prevention of the development of AD.
• 43 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results

• Some level I evidence supported the specific exclusion diets in preselected patients.
• However, insufficient evidence was yielded for strict elimination diets (diets that are typically limited to six to eight foods).
• Data supporting other interventions were mixed in nature and based on small, poorly designed studies.