Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic disorder in which emerging evidence suggests a relevant role of the gut microbiota in modulating physiological processes through the gut-brain axis. In this context, probiotics have been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for symptom management in fibromyalgia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a multispecies probiotic formulation administered over 12 weeks on pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia. Secondary outcomes included sleep disturbances, cognitive function, and emotional symptoms. This was a quadruple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily capsule of a multispecies probiotic (Teoliance HPi10, Therascience) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-3, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium BS01, Lactobacillus plantarum BG112, Streptococcus thermophilus SP4, Lactobacillus casei LCO3, and Lactobacillus reuteri LR92, or placebo, for 12 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires including VAS, BPI, SF-36, MOS, HADS, and FIQ.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
97
Participants receive a daily oral capsule of a multispecies probiotic formulation (Teoliance HPi10, Therascience) for 12 weeks. Each capsule contains Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-3, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BS01, Lactobacillus plantarum BG112, Streptococcus thermophilus SP4, Lactobacillus casei LCO3, and Lactobacillus reuteri LR92 (approximately 10⁹ CFU per capsule). The intervention is administered once daily.
Participants receive a matching placebo capsule identical in appearance to the active product but without active probiotic strains, administered orally once daily for 12 weeks.
Hospital de Sant Pau
Barcelona, Spain
Pain from baseline to Week 12, assessed using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).
Change from baseline to Week 12 in pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ 0-100). The primary endpoint will be the between-group difference in change over time (Group × Time interaction).
Time frame: Baseline to Week 12
Pain from baseline to Week 12, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Change from baseline to Week 12 in pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 0-10). The primary endpoint will be the between-group difference in change over time (Group × Time interaction).
Time frame: From baseline to Week 12
Fatigue from baseline to Week 12, assessed using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).
Change from baseline to Week 12 in fatigue severity in patients with fibromyalgia. Fatigue severity will be evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome measures, including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ 0-100). The primary endpoint will be the between-group difference in change over time (Group × Time interaction).
Time frame: From baseline to Week 12
Sleep quality
Sleep quality will be assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-Sleep 0-100). This validated questionnaire evaluates multiple dimensions of sleep, including sleep disturbance, sleep adequacy, somnolence, and snoring. Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality. Assessments will be performed at baseline and Week 12.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 12
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). This instrument includes two subscales (anxiety and depression), each ranging from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. Scores ≥8 on either subscale indicate clinically relevant symptoms. Assessments will be performed at baseline and Week 12.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 12
Health-related quality of life
Health-related quality of life will be measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). This instrument assesses eight domains of physical and mental health, with scores standardized from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better quality of life. Assessments will be performed at baseline and Week 12.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 12
Fibromyalgia impact
The overall impact of fibromyalgia will be assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ 0-100), which evaluates physical functioning, work status, depression, anxiety, sleep, pain, stiffness, fatigue, and overall well-being. Higher scores indicate greater disease impact. Assessments will be performed at baseline and Week 12.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 12
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