Phytic acid—a compound found in high-fiber foods—improved skin barrier function in mice with atopic dermatitis when taken orally or applied topically. It works by changing the skin's microbiota to produce more of a compound called indole-3-propionic acid, which strengthens the skin's protective layer. This is early-stage research in mice, not humans.

Researchers induced atopic dermatitis in mice, then gave them phytic acid either through diet or topical application. They measured barrier function, analyzed skin bacteria, and tracked metabolite changes to understand the mechanism.

Funding not disclosed in abstract