Effect of Probiotics in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a neurological disease. Currently there is no effective treatment for ME/CFS due to unclear etiology of the disease. The aim of this randomized double-blind placebo-control clinical trial is to study the efficacy of the probiotic food supplement "GutMagnific™" in ME/CFS and comorbid gastrointestinal complications. The outcome of the study will be assessed based on the data from different self-reporting questionnaires and intestinal microbial flora analysis.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Detailed Description
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a neurological disease with different symptoms such as fatigue. Symptoms get worse by physical or mental exertion which usually persists for more than 24 hours (post-exertional malaise, PEM). ME/CFS is often characterized by reduced functional capacity, worsening social relationships and reduced ability to cope with work or study.
The exact cause of the ME/CFS is presently unknown however a history of viral infection is common among ME/CFS patients. Prolonged post viral fatigue can develop into a chronic illness and ME/CFS. Current research strongly suggests involvement of gastrointestinal tract and gut microflora disturbances in the pathogenesis with strong evidence supporting the role of imbalance of gut microflora, damaged gut barrier functions and dysfunctional immune responses. There are some features shared with gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). GutMagnific™ is an evidence-based probiotic food supplement, scientifically designed to be effective in correcting imbalances of the gut microflora, repairing a damaged gut barrier and reducing inflammation. The strain combination in GutMagnific™ has been carefully designed for its efficacy in IBS and therefore it can be reasonably expected to be also effective in ME/CFS.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo The placebo product is identical to active product in taste and appearance but without probiotic |
Dietary Supplement: Placebo
Vegan capsules identical to active product in taste and appearance but without probiotic
|
| Active Comparator: Treatment high dose High dose GutMagnific™ |
Dietary Supplement: GutMagnific™ H.
Vegan Capsules with active product, GutMagnific™ high dose
|
| Active Comparator: Treatment low dose Low dose GutMagnific™ |
Dietary Supplement: GutMagnific™ L.
Vegan Capsules with active product, GutMagnific™ low dose
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Changes in ME/CFS symptoms [At the baseline and weekly for 4 months]
ME/CFS symptom rating scale filled up weekly by participants, graded 0-4 to evaluate degree of disease burden, according to the diagnostic Canadian Criteria. Higher score indicating worse outcome.
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Changes in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms [At the baseline and weekly for 4 months]
Questionnaire for IBS filled up by participants, graded 1-10 to evaluate degree of different bowel symptoms. Higher score indicating better condition.
- Changes in the gastrointestinal symptoms based on Rome III criteria [At the baseline and after 3 & 4 months]
Rome III questionnaire for IBS filled up by participants
- Changes in health related quality of life (RAND 36-Item Health Survey) [At the baseline and monthly for 4 months]
RAND-36 questionnaire for health-related quality of life filled up by participants. The questionnaire evaluating eight health concepts: physical functioning, role limitations caused by physical health problem, role limitations due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, and general health. Possible score is 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest) for each item.
- Changes in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [At the baseline and after 3 & 4 months]
HADS questionnaire for anxiety and depression filled up by participants.The questionnaire comprises questions for anxiety and depression. Each item on the questionnaire is scored from 0-3 and means that a person can score between 0 and 21 for either anxiety or depression. Higher score representing worse outcome.
- Changes in gut microbiota composition [At the baseline and after 3 months]
Fecal samples will be analysed using sequencing-based methods to monitor possible changes related to probiotic treatment. Samples taken prior to and after probiotic treatment in the same participant will be compared.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
-
Clinical diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) at Stora Sköndals Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic
-
Gastrointestinal complications similar to IBS
Exclusion Criteria:
-
Consumption of any probiotics two weeks before enrolment
-
Consumption of other probiotic products during the trial
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic in Stora Sköndal | Stockholm | Sweden |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- ImmuneBiotech Medical Sweden AB
- Karolinska Institutet
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Per Julin, MD/PhD, Karolinska Institutet
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- GM_ME/CFS_2020SE