Could chewing gum during pregnancy protect Babies' brains?
NCT ID NCT06329596
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study in Malawi tests whether chewing xylitol gum three times a day during pregnancy can improve gum health and change the bacteria in the mouth and vagina. Researchers will also check if it reduces pregnancy complications and affects babies' brain development. 80 pregnant women are participating, with half chewing xylitol gum and half chewing a similar gum without xylitol.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Xylitol gum
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve gum health and reduce pregnancy complications in regions with limited dental care.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Chewing gum may not be enough to significantly change the microbiome or prevent complications.
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
-
Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
-
About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jun 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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
-
12 to 60 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * Able to provide informed consent. For those under 18 years of age, consent will additionally be sought from the parent or guardian. * A singleton at \<20 weeks' gestation (based on ultrasound or best obstetric measurement) * Planning to deliver at Area 25 health center. * Willing to chew two pieces of gum thrice daily for 5 minutes after the morning, day and evening meals throughout pregnancy. * Willing to undergo at least two dental exams including oral microbiota sampling at study enrolment \<20 weeks of pregnancy, 28-30 weeks, at delivery/within 48 hours and 4-6 weeks after giving birth. * Willing to have at least two vaginal sampling at study enrolment \<20 weeks of pregnancy, 28-30 weeks, at delivery/within 48 hours and 4-6 weeks after giving birth. * Able to speak Chichewa or English. * Cognitively aware enough to be able to participate in the study. * Willing to consent to all required aspects of protocol including allowing collection of placenta specimens, infant oral swab and meconium/stool sampling at birth/within 48 hours and 4-6 weeks after. Exclusion Criteria: * Those who upon screening and enrolment but dislike the taste of the gum and state they will not chew the gum throughout pregnancy. * Gravidae with known or suspected non-viable pregnancy (including life threatening congenital anomalies such as cardiac, neurological or others). * Pregnant individual has a life-threatening diagnosis such as cancer requiring treatment during pregnancy. * Pregnant women with a known or suspected morbidly adherent placenta (such as placenta accrete, increta and percreta).
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Dysbiosis are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Area 25 Health Center
Lilongwe, Malawi
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Infant stool samples could reveal what a healthy baby gut looks like
- Gut bacteria in a capsule: a new attempt to calm a brain complication of cirrhosis
- Can a spoonful of agave fiber rewire an Athlete's gut?
- Gut bacteria pill may shield HIV patients from heart disease
- Friendly bacteria may fight off repeat joint infections
- Could lung fungi hold clues to Cancer's behavior?