Gut health supplements show no immediate impact on dry eye inflammation

Probiotic and prebiotic supplements did not reduce inflammatory markers in dry eye disease during treatment, but a post-treatment rise in inflammation-related markers suggests a delayed effect that needs further investigation, according to a study.

In the double-masked, randomized trial including 41 participants with dry eye disease, one group received probiotic and prebiotic supplements and the control group received placebos over 4 months. Inflammatory markers, including MMP-9, TIMP-1, and C-reactive protein, were measured in tears and blood samples throughout the study and again after treatment ended.

There were no significant changes in these biomarkers during the supplementation period. However, a post-treatment increase in MMP-9 levels and MMP-9:TIMP-1 ratios was noted, raising questions about possible delayed effects on inflammation.

Reference
Tavakoli A, Flanagan J, Papas E, et al. The impact of probiotics and prebiotics on ocular and systemic inflammation in dry eye disease: a double-masked, randomised controlled trial. Clin Exp Optom. 2025;1-8. doi: 10.1080/08164622.2025.2502529. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40401608.