Gut bacteria may help tame alcohol cravings, new study suggests

NCT ID NCT05830708

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Universiti Sains Malaysia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether a daily probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus bacteria can help reduce alcohol cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the severity of alcohol use disorder in adult men. Participants take either the probiotic or a placebo for 12 weeks, and researchers track changes in cravings, mood, and inflammation markers. The goal is to see if improving gut health can support recovery from alcohol dependence.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Lactobacillus sp. probiotic
What this could lead to: If effective, probiotics could offer a simple, low-cost way to help manage alcohol cravings and withdrawal, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 58 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Probiotics may have no effect on alcohol use disorder symptoms.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan Medical University

Xinxiang, Henan, 453000, China

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