Could a gut supplement boost brain health in schizophrenia?
NCT ID NCT05527210
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a prebiotic supplement (Prebiotin®) can reduce inflammation and improve thinking in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Sixty adults aged 18-60 who are stable on antipsychotics will take the prebiotic or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in blood butyrate levels, cognitive test scores, and side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Prebiotin® (a prebiotic dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, safe way to improve thinking and reduce inflammation in people with schizophrenia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants. The prebiotic may not change inflammation or cognition, and results may not apply to everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder; 2. Age 18-60 years; 3. Considered clinically stable by the treating psychiatrist; 4. Currently treated with an antipsychotic, with no dose changes in last 14 days; 5. Ability to participate in the informed consent process, as determined by a score of 10 or greater on the Evaluation to Sign Consent; 6. BMI ≤ 40 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Gastrointestinal disorders, including, but not limited to Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, whose pathology or treatment could alter the presentation or treatment of schizophrenia or significantly increase the risk associated with the proposed treatment protocol 2. Organic brain disorder, including cerebrovascular accident; epilepsy; traumatic brain injury, Loss of consciousness (LOC) for more than 30 minutes 3. Intellectual disability 4. Acute antibiotic use 5. Immune therapy within the last three months 6. Prebiotic or probiotic treatment within the last three months 7. Inability to understand English 8. Inability to cooperate with study procedures 9. Pregnant or lactation secondary to pregnancy 10. Participants who meet DSM 5 criteria for alcohol or substance misuse (except caffeine and nicotine) within the last 3 months will be excluded. Participants who meet DSM 5 criteria for marijuana misuse - mild will be included in the study.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Maryland Psyciatric Research Center
Catonsville, Maryland, 21228, United States
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