Could a probiotic fix gut problems in pregnancy and prevent stunting?

NCT ID NCT06817031

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Disease control Sponsor: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a probiotic called VE818, given after a short course of antibiotics, 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. Researchers will measure changes in gut bacteria and inflammation to see if the probiotic helps restore a healthy gut environment.

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 (an antibiotic)
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 trial with only 144 participants, so results may not apply widely. The probiotic may not effectively displace harmful bacteria, and side effects are possible.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

ENVIRONMENTAL ENTERIC DYSFUNCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)

Chāndpur, Bangladesh

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