Yogurt as medicine? Butyrate-Rich formula tested for Cancer-Related constipation

NCT ID NCT07723729

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase II trial investigates whether a specially formulated yogurt rich in butyrate—a short-chain fatty acid—can relieve constipation in people with gastrointestinal cancer. Constipation is a common and distressing side effect of cancer and its treatments, and current medications often fall short. The yogurt is designed to improve gut motility, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and restore healthy gut bacteria. The study will enroll 30 participants to measure how well the yogurt works and how safe it is.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: a butyrate-containing short-chain fatty acid yogurt (dietary supplement)
What this could lead to: If effective, this yogurt could offer a well-tolerated, food-based option to manage constipation in cancer patients, improving quality of life without the side effects of laxatives.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The yogurt's effect may be modest, and individual responses could vary.

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

Get updates