Effect of B-GOS on GI Discomfort in Healthy Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of a new food supplement which is currently available in the market, called Bimuno® (B-GOS), on gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g. bloating, abdominal pain/cramp and flatulence) in adults who often experience these symptoms but are otherwise healthy. About 400 volunteers will take part in this study, which will last 6 weeks (to include 4 weeks treatment and 2 weeks follow up period). Episodes of abdominal pain or discomfort (e.g. bloating, abdominal pain/cramp and flatulence), in the absence of diseases, are commonly associated with food or drug intake or with alterations of bowel habit and vary between individuals in frequency and severity. Some dietary ingredients are known to reduce these symptoms. We have used B-GOS previously in trials with healthy younger and older adults and we have observed a trend towards reducing abdominal bloating. However, the investigators have not tested B-GOS in healthy adults who often experience these symptoms and this is what we will investigate now.

Official Title
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Double-blind, Placebo Controlled, Randomised, Multicentered, of Parallel Design Study to Determine the Effect of B-GOS on GI Discomfort in Healthy Adults

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: B-GOS
* Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Aged between 18 and 65 years old. Presence of bloated feeling or experiencing abdominal fullness, with or without visible distention, often in the last 12 months. Ability to communicate well with the investigator and to comply with the requirements of the entire study. Volunteer has given written informed consent to participate and is willing to participate in the entire study. Exclusion Criteria: History or evidence of organic disease of the gastrointestinal tract; such as tumour, irritable bowel syndrome, etc., within the previous 5 years. Undergone surgical resection of any part of the bowel. History of malignancy within the previous 5 years (with exception of well-treated basal cell carcinoma or in situ cervical carcinoma). Received antibiotics in the previous four weeks. Consumed probiotic or prebiotic preparations on a regular basis (at least 3 times per week) in the last 2 weeks. Former participation in another study involving prebiotic or probiotic preparations or investigational drugs within the previous one month, or intention to use such drugs during the course of the study. Severe allergy or any history of severe abnormal drug reaction, drug or alcohol abuse. Regular use of any medication with exception of hormonal replacement therapy and contraception. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Fertile women not practicing a medically-approved method of contraception.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: B-GOS<br>2.75g daily for 4 weeks | Dietary Supplement: B-GOS<br> <br> * Other names: Bimuno;|
| Placebo Comparator: Maltodextrin<br>2.75g daily for 4 weeks | Dietary Supplement: Maltodextrin<br> <br> * Other names: corn syrup;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| To determine the effect of B-GOS on GI discomfort | questionnaires | Participants will be followed daily for 6 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| To conduct an assessment of stools | questionnaires | Participants will be followed daily for 6 weeks. |