Researchers who believe the solution to childhood eczema could be in what we spread on our toast are still calling for study participants. The Auckland and Otago University study into to treating mild to moderate eczema with enriched butter is short of participants, despite nationwide media coverage. Results from several large observational studies suggest that eating butter may protect against the development of allergic disease. The researchers have identified two substances that occur naturally in milk and butter which may account for the effect: 9,11-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid (VA). In earlier trials, mice with eczema showed reduced lung and skin inflammation after consuming the butter and a pilot trial showed a reduction of symptoms in asthma patients. Professor Ed Mitchell of Auckland University Medical School says the goal is 55 participants in both Auckland and Wellington, ideally be aged between eight and 18 but younger children can be included. The children will consume 10g of butter a day, in addition to their normal diet, for six weeks. Half will receive the enriched product and half normal butter. Those interested should contact Barbara Rotherham (Auckland) or Dr Kirstin Wickens (Wellington).