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Probiotic Milk Drink for Gut and Brain Health in Older Adults and Caregivers (PFM)

28 de agosto de 2026 actualizado por: University of South Florida

A Novel Probiotic Fermented Milk Drink to Improve Gut and Brain Health in Older Floridians and Their Caregivers

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effects of a probiotic fermented milk (PFM) drink on gut and brain health in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers. Up to 40 participants will be enrolled.

Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either the PFM drink or a matched placebo daily for 30 days. The primary objective is to determine whether PFM consumption improves gut microbiome abnormalities. Secondary objectives include evaluating effects on nutrient absorption, gut microbiome diversity and composition, and systemic inflammation. The study will also explore relationships between changes in nutrient absorption, microbiome profiles, inflammation, and behavioral outcomes in participants with ADRD and their caregivers.

Each participant will participate in the study for approximately 30 days. This pilot study is intended to generate preliminary clinical and biological data regarding the potential role of probiotic nutrition in supporting gut and brain health and to inform the design of future larger clinical trials.

Descripción general del estudio

Descripción detallada

This pilot clinical trial will investigate the effects of a human-origin probiotic fermented milk (PFM) beverage on biological pathways related to gut and brain health in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers. The study is based on evidence suggesting that alterations in the gut microbiome, nutrient metabolism, and systemic inflammation may be associated with cognitive and behavioral health and may represent modifiable targets in ADRD.

Participants with ADRD and their caregivers will be enrolled as patient-caregiver dyads and independently randomized to receive either the PFM intervention or a matched placebo for 30 days. The PFM contains four human-origin probiotic strains: Limosilactobacillus reuteri HL278, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL279, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HL260, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL82.

Biological assessments will be performed before and after the intervention to characterize changes in the gut microbiome, nutrient-related measures, and systemic inflammation. Fecal microbiome composition will be evaluated using metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics approaches to examine microbial diversity and taxonomic composition. Blood- and stool-based laboratory analyses will be used to assess selected nutrient and inflammatory biomarkers.

Clinical and behavioral measures will also be evaluated to explore whether biological changes associated with the intervention are related to measures of health, quality of life, agitation, stress, or anxiety in participants with ADRD and their caregivers. Analyses will compare changes between the PFM and placebo groups and explore relationships among microbiome characteristics, nutrient-related measures, inflammatory markers, and behavioral outcomes.

The study is intended to generate preliminary information regarding the biological effects and feasibility of the PFM intervention and to provide data that may inform the design of larger future clinical trials.

Tipo de estudio

Intervencionista

Inscripción (Estimado)

40

Fase

  • No aplica

Contactos y Ubicaciones

Esta sección proporciona los datos de contacto de quienes realizan el estudio e información sobre dónde se lleva a cabo este estudio.

Estudio Contacto

  • Nombre: Hariom Yadav, PhD
  • Número de teléfono: 8139748222
  • Correo electrónico: hyadav@usf.edu

Copia de seguridad de contactos de estudio

  • Nombre: Shalini Jain, PhD
  • Número de teléfono: 813-9746281
  • Correo electrónico: jains10@usf.edu

Ubicaciones de estudio

    • Florida
      • Tampa, Florida, Estados Unidos, 33612
        • Center for Microbiome Research, Microbiomes Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620
        • Investigador principal:
          • Hariom Yadav, PhD
        • Investigador principal:
          • Shalini Jain, PhD
        • Contacto:
          • Shalini Jain, PhD
          • Número de teléfono: 813-9746281
          • Correo electrónico: jains10@usf.edu
        • Contacto:
          • Dhananjay Yadav, PhD
          • Número de teléfono: 8134521781
          • Correo electrónico: dhananjay11@usf.edu

Criterios de participación

Los investigadores buscan personas que se ajusten a una determinada descripción, denominada criterio de elegibilidad. Algunos ejemplos de estos criterios son el estado de salud general de una persona o tratamientos previos.

Criterio de elegibilidad

Edades elegibles para estudiar

  • Adulto
  • Adulto Mayor

Acepta Voluntarios Saludables

No

Descripción

Inclusion Criteria:• Diagnosed with ADRD and accompanied with their caregiver

  • Age ≥ 18 years old
  • Willing to consume PFM and/or willing to consume placebo drink, follow instructions of study team and sign consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Lactose intolerance or another intolerance that prevents the safe consumption of dairy products
  • Allergy to any ingredients in the PFM formulations, including almonds/nuts, lactose/dairy, dextrose, artificial sweeteners, or dyes used in flavoring
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to peanuts or soy, as indicated on the pectin product label.
  • Known allergy, intolerance, or hypersensitivity to Ensure® or any of its components.
  • Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, due to potential increased risk of infection from GI tract damage
  • Participants who require systemic antibiotics after randomization will have the antibiotic use documented and will be withdrawn due to potential effects on the gut microbiome. Data collected prior to antibiotic use may be retained, and withdrawn participants will be replaced to maintain the target sample size.
  • Major surgery(ies) of the gut or brain within the past five years
  • Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), or any other gastrointestinal disease that could significantly change the microbiome History of fecal microbiota transplantation
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
  • History of anticipatory nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
  • Antibiotic or probiotic or heavy yogurt (3 servings per day) use within the past 30 days

    o Probiotic use is defined as consumption of ≥108 CFU/day, in the form of tablets, capsules, lozenges, powders, or dairy products in which probiotics are a major ingredient

  • Critical or terminal illnesses including diabetes
  • Pregnant women will be excluded from the study based on self-report during the screening process. No pregnancy testing kits will be provided, and pregnancy testing will not be performed as part of this study. Therefore, individuals who are currently pregnant are excluded from participation.
  • Significant mental health conditions

Plan de estudios

Esta sección proporciona detalles del plan de estudio, incluido cómo está diseñado el estudio y qué mide el estudio.

¿Cómo está diseñado el estudio?

Detalles de diseño

  • Propósito principal: Tratamiento
  • Asignación: Aleatorizado
  • Modelo Intervencionista: Asignación paralela
  • Enmascaramiento: Cuadruplicar

Armas e Intervenciones

Grupo de participantes/brazo
Intervención / Tratamiento
Experimental: Probiotics fermented milk

Participants will receive two 4-ounce servings of a probiotic fermented milk (PFM) drink daily for 30 days. The PFM drink contains probiotic strains intended to support gut microbiome balance, nutrient absorption, and gut-brain health.

Participants will receive two 4-ounce servings of a placebo drink daily for 30 days. The placebo drink is matched in taste, appearance, and volume but does not contain active probiotic components.

A human-origin probiotic fermented milk (PFM) drink has been developed for this clinical study. Over 1,000 human-derived probiotic strains were screened for gut and brain health effects using C. elegans, identifying 36 promising strains. These were further evaluated for growth in milk, fermentation capacity (pH reduction and coagulation), and effects on healthspan. Four strains with strong performance were selected: Limosilactobacillus reuteri HL278, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL279, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HL260, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL82. A multi-strain formulation was produced in a dedicated facility. The final PFM contains GRAS-designated probiotic strains and is manufactured for research use only in this study.
Participants will receive two 4-ounce servings of a placebo drink daily for 30 days. The placebo drink is matched in taste, appearance, and volume but does not contain active probiotic components.
Comparador de placebos: Placebo milk
ADRD and caregivers
A human-origin probiotic fermented milk (PFM) drink has been developed for this clinical study. Over 1,000 human-derived probiotic strains were screened for gut and brain health effects using C. elegans, identifying 36 promising strains. These were further evaluated for growth in milk, fermentation capacity (pH reduction and coagulation), and effects on healthspan. Four strains with strong performance were selected: Limosilactobacillus reuteri HL278, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL279, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HL260, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL82. A multi-strain formulation was produced in a dedicated facility. The final PFM contains GRAS-designated probiotic strains and is manufactured for research use only in this study.
Participants will receive two 4-ounce servings of a placebo drink daily for 30 days. The placebo drink is matched in taste, appearance, and volume but does not contain active probiotic components.

¿Qué mide el estudio?

Medidas de resultado primarias

Medida de resultado
Medida Descripción
Periodo de tiempo
Change in Gut Microbiome Shannon Diversity Index
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in gut microbiome alpha diversity from baseline to Day 30, quantified using the Shannon diversity index derived from whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples. A single change value will be calculated for each participant as the Day 30 Shannon diversity index minus the baseline Shannon diversity index.

Unit of Measure:

Shannon diversity index

Baseline and Day 30

Medidas de resultado secundarias

Medida de resultado
Medida Descripción
Periodo de tiempo
Change in Stool Lipocalin-2 Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in stool lipocalin-2 concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: ng/g stool

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Stool Calprotectin Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in stool calprotectin concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: µg/g stool

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: pg/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Interleukin-1 Beta Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: pg/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: pg/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Interleukin-6 Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: pg/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum C-Reactive Protein Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: µg/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Zinc Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum zinc concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: µg/dL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Iodine Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum iodine concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: µg/dL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Magnesium Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum magnesium concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: mg/dL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Folate Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum folate concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: ng/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Vitamin D3 Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum vitamin D3 concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: ng/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Serum Vitamin B12 Concentration
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in serum vitamin B12 concentration from baseline to Day 30, calculated as the Day 30 value minus the baseline value.

Unit: pg/mL

Baseline and Day 30
Gut Microbiome Beta Diversity Assessed by Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Gut microbial community composition will be assessed at baseline and Day 30 using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity calculated from stool metagenomic sequencing data. Bray-Curtis dissimilarity will be used to evaluate differences in microbial community composition between intervention groups and study time points.

Unit of Measure:

Bray-Curtis dissimilarity

Baseline and Day 30
Change in EQ-5D Index Score in ADRD Participants
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) health utility index score from baseline to Day 30 in participants with ADRD. Responses across the EQ-5D health dimensions will be converted to a single health utility index score according to the instrument scoring procedure. The outcome will be the Day 30 index score minus the baseline index score.

Unit:

EQ-5D index score

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory Total Score
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) total score from baseline to Day 30 in participants with ADRD. Responses to individual CMAI items will be combined according to the instrument scoring procedure to generate one total agitation score at each time point. The outcome will be the Day 30 total score minus the baseline total score.

Unit:

CMAI total score

Baseline and Day 30
Change in Perceived Stress Scale Total Score in Caregivers
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Description:

Change in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) total score from baseline to Day 30 in caregivers. Individual PSS item responses will be combined according to the instrument scoring procedure to generate one total perceived stress score at each time point. The outcome will be the Day 30 total score minus the baseline total score.

Unit:

PSS total score

Baseline and Day 30
Change in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State Anxiety Score
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Description:

Change in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) State Anxiety score from baseline to Day 30 in caregivers. Responses to the State Anxiety items will be combined according to the instrument scoring procedure to generate one State Anxiety score at each time point. The outcome will be the Day 30 score minus the baseline score.

Unit:

STAI State Anxiety score

Baseline and Day 30
Change in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait Anxiety Score
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Description:

Change in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Trait Anxiety score from baseline to Day 30 in caregivers. Responses to the Trait Anxiety items will be combined according to the instrument scoring procedure to generate one Trait Anxiety score at each time point. The outcome will be the Day 30 score minus the baseline score.

Unit:

STAI Trait Anxiety score

Baseline and Day 30

Otras medidas de resultado

Medida de resultado
Medida Descripción
Periodo de tiempo
Change in SF-36 Physical Component Summary Score
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical Component Summary (PCS) score from baseline to Day 30 in caregivers. A single PCS summary score will be calculated at each time point, and the outcome will be the Day 30 PCS score minus the baseline PCS score. The SF-36 Mental Component Summary score is reported as a separate outcome measure.

Unit: PCS score

Baseline and Day 30
Change in SF-36 Mental Component Summary Score
Periodo de tiempo: Baseline and Day 30

Change in the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Mental Component Summary (MCS) score from baseline to Day 30 in caregivers. A single MCS summary score will be calculated at each time point, and the outcome will be the Day 30 MCS score minus the baseline MCS score. The SF-36 Physical Component Summary score is reported as a separate outcome measure.

Unit:

MCS score

Baseline and Day 30

Colaboradores e Investigadores

Aquí es donde encontrará personas y organizaciones involucradas en este estudio.

Publicaciones y enlaces útiles

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Publicaciones Generales

Fechas de registro del estudio

Estas fechas rastrean el progreso del registro del estudio y los envíos de resultados resumidos a ClinicalTrials.gov. Los registros del estudio y los resultados informados son revisados ​​por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina (NLM) para asegurarse de que cumplan con los estándares de control de calidad específicos antes de publicarlos en el sitio web público.

Fechas importantes del estudio

Inicio del estudio (Estimado)

1 de septiembre de 2026

Finalización primaria (Estimado)

1 de octubre de 2026

Finalización del estudio (Estimado)

20 de octubre de 2026

Fechas de registro del estudio

Enviado por primera vez

26 de marzo de 2026

Primero enviado que cumplió con los criterios de control de calidad

28 de agosto de 2026

Publicado por primera vez (Actual)

2 de septiembre de 2026

Actualizaciones de registros de estudio

Última actualización publicada (Actual)

2 de septiembre de 2026

Última actualización enviada que cumplió con los criterios de control de calidad

28 de agosto de 2026

Última verificación

1 de agosto de 2026

Más información

Términos relacionados con este estudio

Plan de datos de participantes individuales (IPD)

¿Planea compartir datos de participantes individuales (IPD)?

NO

Descripción del plan IPD

We are conducting a small (n=24), likely enrollment (n=40) single-site pilot/clinical study. Data involves older adults and ADRD patients + caregivers (sensitive population)

Información sobre medicamentos y dispositivos, documentos del estudio

Estudia un producto farmacéutico regulado por la FDA de EE. UU.

No

Estudia un producto de dispositivo regulado por la FDA de EE. UU.

No

Esta información se obtuvo directamente del sitio web clinicaltrials.gov sin cambios. Si tiene alguna solicitud para cambiar, eliminar o actualizar los detalles de su estudio, comuníquese con register@clinicaltrials.gov. Tan pronto como se implemente un cambio en clinicaltrials.gov, también se actualizará automáticamente en nuestro sitio web. .

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