Efficacy of Symprove Probiotics in Coeliac Disease
This study is investigating if a probiotic drink called Symprove can help people with coeliac disease who continue to suffer from gut symptoms like bloating, pain, or diarrhoea, even after strictly following a gluten-free diet. Many people with coeliac disease feel much better on a gluten-free diet, but some still experience distressing symptoms. Scientists believe this might be due to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. This research aims to see if Symprove, which contains 'good' bacteria, can correct this imbalance and reduce these ongoing symptoms. If successful, it could offer a new, non-medication option to improve the quality of life for those living with coeliac disease.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Coeliac disease is a lifelong condition where eating gluten (a protein found in everyday foods like bread, pasta, and cereals) damages the small intestine. This damage causes symptoms like bloating, pain, and diarrhoea. While most people find that a strict gluten-free diet helps them feel much better and allows their gut to heal, up to one in five people still experience uncomfortable gut symptoms, even when they're strictly avoiding gluten and their gut has healed. These persistent symptoms can be very frustrating and affect daily life.
This study is looking into a food supplement called Symprove. It's a probiotic drink, which means it contains live 'good' bacteria. Researchers believe that for some people with coeliac disease, the natural balance of bacteria in their gut might be disturbed, even after going gluten-free. This imbalance could be causing ongoing inflammation and symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study wants to find out if Symprove can help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria and, as a result, reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.
Ultimately, this research hopes to answer important questions: Can Symprove really make a difference for people with coeliac disease who still have symptoms? Does it work by fixing the gut bacteria balance? And are people with a more noticeable gut bacteria imbalance more likely to benefit? If this study is successful, it could lead to a safe, non-drug option to improve the lives of many people with coeliac disease who are still struggling with symptoms, even after diligently avoiding gluten.
Key takeaways
- Targets ongoing gut symptoms in people with coeliac disease, even on a strict gluten-free diet.
- Investigates a probiotic drink (Symprove) to rebalance gut bacteria.
- Aims to reduce symptoms like bloating, pain, and diarrhoea.
- Could offer a non-drug option for managing persistent coeliac symptoms.
- Participation involves taking the probiotic, symptom tracking, and stool samples.
- The study hopes to understand the link between gut bacteria and coeliac symptoms.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of coeliac disease. It's important that your coeliac disease is well-managed, meaning your gut has healed, and you've been strictly following a gluten-free diet for at least six months.
The study is specifically for those who, despite all of this, are still experiencing ongoing gut symptoms like bloating, pain, or diarrhoea regularly for at least six months. You must also be able to understand and sign a consent form.
You cannot take part if you are currently eating gluten, have used antibiotics or any probiotics in the last three months, or have other gut conditions like Crohn's disease or severe IBS. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also unable to participate.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of coeliac disease?
- Have you been strictly gluten-free for at least 6 months?
- Do you still have ongoing gut symptoms (e.g., bloating, pain) despite being gluten-free and your gut having healed?
- Have you avoided antibiotics or probiotics in the last 3 months?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to drink Symprove daily for a period of time. Researchers will monitor your symptoms and how you feel with regular questionnaires. To understand the effect on your gut bacteria, you will be asked to provide stool (poo) samples at certain points throughout the study. Your quality of life will also be assessed. The exact number of visits and the total duration of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustSheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a common condition where your immune system reacts to gluten, damaging your small intestine and causing various symptoms.
What is a probiotic?
A probiotic is a drink or supplement that contains live 'good' bacteria, thought to be beneficial for gut health.
What does 'gluten-free diet' mean?
A gluten-free diet means completely avoiding foods containing gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
What are 'ongoing gut symptoms'?
These are persistent tummy problems like bloating, tummy pain, or diarrhoea that don't go away, even with a strict gluten-free diet.
How long will the study last?
The exact duration of the study will be explained in detail by the research team when you enquire about participation.
How to find out more
David S Sanders, MBChB, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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