Could a gut bacteria booster ease rheumatoid arthritis?

NCT ID NCT05718583

Completed Disease control Sponsor: NYU Langone Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This pilot study tested whether a butyrate supplement, a type of short-chain fatty acid, could change the gut microbiome and immune responses in people with rheumatoid arthritis who didn't respond well to methotrexate. Twenty participants took the supplement for up to two months. Researchers collected stool, urine, and blood samples to measure changes in gut bacteria diversity and immune cells.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: butyrate (a short-chain fatty acid) dietary supplement
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple dietary supplement to help control rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in people who don't respond well to standard treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early pilot study with only 20 participants and no placebo group. The main goal is to see if the supplement changes gut bacteria, not whether it improves arthritis symptoms. Results may not lead to a proven treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

NYU Langone Health Orthopedic Center

New York, New York, 10016, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.