Could a gut supplement ease gulf war illness symptoms?

NCT ID NCT05367245

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether a butyrate supplement (Cal-Mag Butyrate) can improve physical function in 120 veterans with Gulf War Illness. The study also looks at effects on fatigue, memory, gut health, and inflammation. Participants take the supplement or a placebo for several weeks, and researchers measure changes using health surveys and cognitive tests.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Calcium-Magnesium Butyrate (a dietary supplement)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment that improves physical function and reduces fatigue, gut issues, and cognitive problems in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to all veterans. The supplement may not work better than a placebo, and side effects are possible.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognition Disorders cognitive disorder myalgic encephalomeyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome persian gulf syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC FATIGUE GULF WAR ILLNESS NEUROCOGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL
RECRUITING

Miami, Florida, 33125, United States
VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA
RECRUITING

Long Beach, California, 90822, United States
VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
RECRUITING

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84148-0001, United States

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