This is an open labeled, one-armed real-world study in IBS-patients. All participants will receive active treatment for 12 weeks. The primary objective of the study is to assess the effect of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) on bowel function in adults with IBS. Secondary objectives are to evaluate HMOs' tolerability, effect on participant reported satisfaction with bowel habits, interference with life in general, quality of life, somatic symptoms, and anxiety and depression in all patients and subgroups of patients.
In this trial, a total of 300 adults (at least 18 years of age) diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in accordance with the Rome IV criteria will be included. Patients will be recruited from gastroenterologists and primary care clinics across the USA. The study product, Fuco-N-Tetraose, will be taken daily throughout the course of the trial. All data will be collected through 4 web based surveys, and the participants will complete those at baseline before the intervention starts, and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake of the study product. The primary outcome of the study will be assessed by the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. Other questionnaires used in the study includes the IBS specific Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS-IBS), the IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QoL), the Participant Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), the Participant Health Questionnaire-12 (PHQ-12), and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). All outcomes will be evaluated in all patients and in sub-groups of patients. i.e. subtypes by predominant bowel habit (diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, or altered/mixed pattern), and lactose intolerant patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
317
Daily bolus of Fuco-N-Tetraose
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Change from baseline in bowel function
Change from baseline in bowel function assessed as the proportion of bowel movements with abnormal fecal consistency measured with the Bristol Stool Form Scale
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
Change in patients' perception of body function
Change from baseline in patients' perception of body function measured by the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale.
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
Evaluate tolerability of fuco-N-tetraose
Evaluate tolerability of fuco-N-tetraose using GSRS-IBS
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
Evaluate tolerability of fuco-N-tetraose
Evaluate tolerability of fuco-N-tetraose using IBS-SSS
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
Change in satisfaction with bowel habits
Change from baseline in satisfaction with bowel habits measured with IBS-SSS
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
Change in IBS' interference in life in general
Change from baseline in IBS' interference in life in general measured with IBS-SSS
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
Change in quality of life
Change from baseline in quality of life measured with the IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QoL)
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Change on somatic symptoms
Change from baseline on somatic symptoms measured with the Participant Health Questionnaire-12 (PHQ-12)
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake
Change in anxiety and depression
Change from baseline in anxiety and depression measured with the Participant Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4)
Time frame: Baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intake