Could a gut bacteria booster ease rheumatoid arthritis?
NCT ID NCT05718583
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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NYU Langone Health Orthopedic Center
New York, New York, 10016, United States