Could a probiotic during pregnancy help babies grow stronger?

NCT ID NCT07134790

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

Summary

This study tests whether a probiotic called VE818 can reduce harmful gut bacteria and improve gut health in pregnant women. The trial involves 144 women in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Zambia, and Burkina Faso who are in their first or early second trimester. Participants first take an antibiotic (vancomycin) to clear bad bacteria, then receive either VE818 or a placebo to see if the probiotic helps restore a healthier gut.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
VE818 (a mix of 11 beneficial bacteria) and oral vancomycin
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to improve gut health in pregnant women, potentially reducing malnutrition and stunting in their babies.
What could go wrong
This is an early phase 2 proof-of-concept trial with only 144 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The probiotic may not effectively displace harmful bacteria, and side effects are possible.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ENVIRONMENTAL ENTERIC DYSFUNCTION (EED) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Agence de Formation de Recherche et d'Expertise en Santé pour l'Afrique

    RECRUITING

    Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.