Could a gut supplement help anorexia patients gain weight?

NCT ID NCT07289581

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a daily butyric acid supplement can help people with anorexia nervosa gain weight faster when added to standard treatment (nutritional therapy and counseling). Fifty women aged 18-65 will receive either butyric acid or a placebo for 3 months. Researchers will track weight, BMI, eating disorder symptoms, and gut bacteria changes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

butyric acid (a dietary supplement)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a safe, affordable supplement to help people with anorexia gain weight faster when combined with standard care.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 50 participants. The supplement may show no benefit over placebo, and results may not apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

anorexia nervosa Body-Weight Trajectory

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • SODc Psichiatria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi

    Florence, FI, 50134, Italy