Could a poop pill boost anorexia recovery? small trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07574892

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Haukeland University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether adding a single dose of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) to standard psychotherapy can help people with anorexia nervosa. Thirty-six adults starting outpatient therapy will be randomly assigned to receive either therapy alone or therapy plus FMT (via capsules or gastroscopy). The main goal is to see if the combination is feasible and to gather early data on gut bacteria changes and clinical outcomes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: fecal microbiota transplant (FMT)
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a new way to improve recovery from anorexia by restoring healthy gut bacteria alongside standard therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study (36 people) testing only feasibility, not effectiveness. The treatment may not improve outcomes and could cause discomfort or infection from the transplant.

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.

anorexia nervosa

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Haugalandet distriktspsykiatriske senter

Haugesund, Haugesund, 5535, Norway
Haukeland University Hospital in Helse Bergen

Bergen, Norway, 5096, Norway
Helse Møre og Romsdal

Ålesund, Møre og Romsdal, 6026, Norway
Sola distriktspsykiatriske senter

Stavanger, Sola, 4050, Norway

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