This is a randomized, parallel-group interventional study evaluating the short-term gastrointestinal effects of a standardized multi-fiber supplement in healthy adults. Approximately 100 participants (50 per arm) aged 18 and older will be randomized to receive either the multi-fiber supplement or a control (flavoring agent only) daily for 10 days. Objectives include assessing effects on stool characteristics, specifically frequency and consistency, as well as changes in metagenomically inferred short-chain fatty acid production potential from the microbiota. Eligible participants must be free of chronic disease, acute illness, and recent antibiotic, probiotic, or prebiotic use. Total participation duration is 10 days.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
100
Formulated prebiotic supplement designed to be accessible to gut microbiota members and assist with bowel movement regularity
Placebo supplementation intervention, with only flavoring agents and no prebiotic fiber
Biomedical Center
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
RECRUITINGChange in metagenomically inferred SCFA production potential
Through metagenomic sequencing analysis, change in relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid producing genes from sequenced timepoint stool samples will be assessed.
Time frame: Change observed from baseline sample (Day 0) to second sample (Day 10)
Bowel Movement Regularity
From a questionnaire that participants will fill out each day of the study, the number of bowel movements, the Bristol stool scale value, and amount of strain experienced during defecation will be assessed.
Time frame: Change observed over time from baseline (Day 0) through completion of the study (Day 10)
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