Gut bacteria byproducts may control Appetite—Study tests where they work best

NCT ID NCT06686888

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: KU Leuven Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This completed study looked at how short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are made when gut bacteria break down fiber, affect hunger-related hormones. Twenty-eight healthy adults took capsules that released SCFA in either the small intestine or the colon. Researchers measured hormone levels and appetite over 8 hours to see if the location matters.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help design better dietary supplements or treatments for appetite control and metabolism.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy people, so results may not apply to those with medical conditions. It only measures short-term hormone changes, not long-term health effects.

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

28 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Sep 2024

Finished

Dec 2024

Lead sponsor

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

18 to 50 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show 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: * male and female * healthy * normal BMI (18.5-25 kg/m\^2) * age within 18-50 years Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, chronic constipation (less than 3 stools a week) and chronic frequent diarrhoea (more than 3 stools a day) * Previous abdominal surgery, except from appendectomy * Being on a weight loss, gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan diet * The donation of blood during the last 3 months or suffering from low blood haemoglobin levels * The use of antibiotics or other medication that affects the gastrointestinal tract 3 months preceding the study and/or during the study * The use of prebiotics or probiotics 2 weeks preceding the study and/or during the study * Pregnancy, lactation or wish to become pregnant during the study period * Previous or current substance/alcohol dependence or abuse (\> 2 units per day/14 units per week)

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

metabolic disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Glucose homeostasis Intestinal absorption Metabolism Satiety and appetite Satiety hormones Short chain fatty acids

Gut bacteria byproducts may control Appetite—Study tests where they work best

What the study statuses mean