Nutrients-fortified Egg Consumption on Eczema Condition in Individuals With Eczema

Impact of Nutrients-fortified Egg Consumption on Eczema Condition in Individuals With Eczema

The study aims to assess the effects of daily consumption of nutrients-fortified eggs on eczema condition in individuals with eczema.

It is hypothesised that daily consumption of nutrients-fortified egg, which is rich in antioxidants, will improve eczema conditions in individuals with eczema as compared to consumption of regular eggs.

Eczema refers to a group of conditions that induces inflammation of the skin. Of which, atopic dermatitis is the most common type. Eczema is common in children, and can continue to adulthood. Eczema is a chronic condition with no known cure.

Anti-inflammatory agents have been shown to protect against atopic dermatitis. Vitamin D, E and polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to confer excellent anti-inflammatory benefits.

This is a double-blinded, randomized, parallel study and all subjects will complete a 12-week study period. The study was designed based on previous research which reported that omega-3 supplementation significantly decreased blood IgE concentration (-29.0 ± 11.1, mean ± SD) compared to placebo supplementation (-7.7 ± 14.6, mean ± SD).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. English-literate and able to give informed consent in English
2. Male and female subjects, aged between 21 and 59 inclusive
3. Healthy individuals with no comorbidities or on regular medication
4. BMI between 18.5-25 kg/m2
5. Mild to moderate severity of eczema, which will also be determined using our questionnaires during screening visit

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant change in body weight (3 kg or more) in the past 3 months
2. Significant exercise pattern over the past 3 months defined as high-intensity exercise of more than 3 hours per week
3. Known food allergy to eggs
4. Taking dietary supplements which may impact the study results
5. Had been diagnosed or with a history of gastrointestinal disorders e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diverticulitis
6. Current smokers
7. Consumes more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day i.e. one drink is defined as either 150ml of wine, 340ml of beer/cider or 45ml of distilled spirit
8. Taking lipid-lowering and blood pressure controlling medications less than 3 years
9. Pregnant or lactating women, or planning to conceive in the next 6 months
10. Unwilling to stop the medication of eczema during the study, either topical creams or oral medications
11. Hierarchical link (professional and familial ties) with the research team members
12. Participating in another clinical study
13. Having blindness in one eye or more, previously diagnosed eye diseases, or have had eye surgery
14. Low quality macular pigment optical density results, determined during screening visit