B. Lactis B94 Effects of Gastrointestinal Function

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is to determine the effect of daily consumption of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis B94 (B. lactis B94) on stool frequency, gastrointestinal (GI) transit time, and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. Participants (18-75 years old, n=36) will be recruited and enrolled in a 20-week randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Study participants will be randomized to B. lactis B94 or placebo each for a 4-week period, preceded by a 4-week baseline and followed by 4-week washouts. Participants will complete daily questionnaires about stool frequency and stool form (transit). Dietary intake will also be assessed. A total of 5 stools (one in each period) will be collected for exploratory microbiota analysis. It is hypothesized that the B. lactis B94 will increase stool frequency, decrease the percentage of slow transit stools, and improve GI symptoms

Detailed Description
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Probiotics have been shown to improve symptoms of constipation by decreasing gastrointestinal transit time, increasing stool frequency, and normalizing stool form. A 20-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study will be carried out. Participants will complete a 4-week baseline period during which stool frequency, stool consistency (transit time), and gastrointestinal symptoms will be collected by paper questionnaire, and participants will collect a single stool. Dietary intake data (3-day) will be obtained during the baseline period. Participants will be randomized on or about day 29 and will consume Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis B94 (B. lactis B94) or placebo for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout, 4 weeks on the alternative, and second 4-week washout. Participants will be randomized by sealed envelope method, prepared by a UF faculty member not affiliated with the study. During the intervention and washout periods, participants will complete daily questionnaires to assess stool frequency and form (Bristol Stool Form Scale). Furthermore, they will complete Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20(± 3 days). During these same weeks (± 3 days) dietary intake data (28-day record) and stools will be collected (1 per period). Participants' height and weight will be taken at baseline, and weight during weeks 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20.

Official Title
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The Effects of Bifidobacterium Animalis Ssp. Lactis B94 on Gastrointestinal Function in Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blind Study

Conditions
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Quality of Life

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: B. lactis B94
* Dietary Supplement: Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Are willing and able to provide informed consent. Have confirmed diagnosis of PWS Are willing to have height and weight measured and provide demographic information (e.g. age, race, sex) Are 18-75 years of age Are willing to consume B. lactis B94 and placebo each for 4-week periods Are willing to complete a daily questionnaire throughout the 20-week period. Are willing to complete the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) monthly throughout the 20-week study Are willing to provide information about their dietary intake for 3-days every 4 weeks Are willing to provide a valid social security for study payment purposes Exclusion Criteria: Have a milk protein allergy Are currently taking medications for diarrhea Are currently taking probiotics supplements and do not want to discontinue prior to the start of the baseline period (i.e. those that discontinue will be included) Have previously or are currently being treated for any gastrointestinal diseases such as (gastric ulcers, Crohn's, Celiac, ulcerative colitis, etc.).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Probiotic<br>Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 at 15 billion CFUs per capsule | Dietary Supplement: B. lactis B94<br>* A probiotic dose of 15 billion per capsule.<br>* Other names: Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis B94;|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>Placebo veggie capsule. | Dietary Supplement: Placebo<br>* Placebo capsule<br>* Other names: Placebo capsule;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stool frequency | Weekly stool frequency - difference between treatments | 4 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stool frequency percentage change | Weekly stool frequency: percentage change from baseline | 4 weeks | 
| Bristol Stool Form | Percentage slow transit (Bristol Stool Form Scale 1 and 2) | 4 weeks | 
| Gastrointestinal symptoms | Decrease in syndromes of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) | 4 weeks | 
| Compliance | >80% of supplement intake | 4 weeks |