Effects of a Placebo Probiotic on Gut Health and General Well-being in Individuals With Mild Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Launched by CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF THE SACRED HEART · Dec 2, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether taking a placebo probiotic—meaning a pill that looks like a probiotic but doesn’t contain any active ingredients—can improve gut health and overall well-being in healthy individuals who have mild stomach issues, such as occasional digestive discomfort or constipation. The trial will compare two groups: one group will receive the placebo without knowing it, while the other group won’t receive any treatment initially. After three weeks, the second group will be informed that they will also take the placebo pill, but they’ll know it is not an active treatment. Researchers want to see if just believing they’re taking a helpful supplement can make a difference in how people feel.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between the ages of 20 and 65 and have mild gastrointestinal symptoms that don’t significantly interfere with their daily life. Individuals with more serious gut issues, certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those already taking probiotics will not be included. Participants can expect to take the placebo pills for three weeks, and they’ll be part of a study designed to help understand how our mindset about treatment can influence our health. This trial is currently recruiting, so there’s an opportunity for eligible individuals to participate and contribute to this interesting area of research.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age between 20 and 65
• • Individuals with mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., digestive issues, acid reflux, constipation) such that normal every-day activities are not severly compromised.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with a diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases).
• • Individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and/or psychiatric conditions
• • Individuals taking probiotic supplementation at the time of enrollment in the study