Early Phase Study Comparing the Effectiveness of a Dairy Product, Co-developed by Besancon University Hospital and the National School of Dairy Industry (ENIL), With the Reference Treatment Aequasyal® on Dry Mouth Symptoms in Patients Suffering From Xerostomia Caused by Psychotropic Medications.

Dry mouth symptoms mostly occur as drug side-effects. Available products such as saliva substitutes are disappointing (bad taste, poor efficiency).

The hypothesis stems from the "empirical" observations that many patients alleviate dry mouth symptoms by the consumption of dairy products. Through its composition, the dairy product in itself provides relief for the patient, due both to its physical and biochemical properties, which could explain these observed improvements, and to elements related to the phenomena of consumption of food as an alternative to medication. In the latter case, hedonism takes on a role which has not been previously assessed. Initial work undertaken with the department of applied research at the National Dairy Industry School (ENIL) led to the prototyping of a new milk product, to qualify and adapt a product with a "health benefit" in patients suffering from xerostomia.

This dairy product has specific taste, texture and lubrication properties and will be tested in a randomized controlled cross-over study for its efficiency and acceptability versus a reference product (Aequasyal ®, Oxidized Glycerol Triester) on a group of 32 patients at Dijon and at Besançon University Hospitals.

This way of combatting xerostomia at the interface of patients' diet, such as it is proposed here, could help improve their quality of life, minimize harmful effects (infection, decay) and promote adherence to treatments which are responsible for xerostomia.