RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Bioavailability of Human Milk Oligosaccharides in Healthy Adults

This study is investigating something called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are special sugars found in human milk. In babies, these sugars are known to be really helpful for their health, especially for their gut and immune system. Researchers want to understand if these HMOs, when given to healthy adults, are absorbed into the body and circulate in the blood. If they do, it suggests HMOs could have wider benefits, not just in the gut. The study aims to look at how the body handles these HMOs – how much is absorbed, how they change, and how they leave the body. This information will help us understand how HMOs might work to support our health in ways that don't directly involve our gut bacteria.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Bonn

Enrolment target

Start

14 May 2024

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2026

Healthy

What is this study about?

You've probably heard that breast milk is really good for babies, and part of that is thanks to special sugars called Human Milk Oligosaccharides, or HMOs for short. These HMOs do a lot of good things: they help babies build up healthy gut bacteria, fight off bad bacteria, and even boost their immune system. Researchers have been very interested in them because of these benefits.

Most of the time, HMOs pass through our digestive system without being fully broken down. They reach the large intestine, where healthy bacteria can use them. This is good because it helps create a balanced gut environment, which is important for our overall health. HMOs also act like decoys, stopping harmful germs from sticking to the gut lining. But scientists are also exploring if HMOs do even more, potentially benefiting us beyond the gut, like helping our immune system or even brain development.

For HMOs to have these wider benefits, they would need to get into the bloodstream and travel around the body. This study wants to find out if that actually happens in healthy adults. By understanding how our bodies absorb, process, and get rid of HMOs, we can learn more about how they might work and if they could offer health advantages for adults too.

Key takeaways

Looks at special sugars (HMOs) from human milk in adults.
Aims to see if HMOs get into the bloodstream, not just stay in the gut.
Could help scientists understand wider health benefits of HMOs.
Only for healthy adults aged 18-40 who don't smoke.
No direct health benefit expected, but contributes to science.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy adults between 18 and 40 years old who do not smoke and have a healthy weight. They are specifically looking for people who are generally well and don't have any major ongoing health conditions or take regular medications or supplements.

You would not be able to join if you have certain health issues like diabetes, high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, or chronic illnesses. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have problems with how their body absorbs food or has an infection like hepatitis or HIV, also cannot take part. If you take nutritional supplements regularly, or have had drug or alcohol problems, you would also be excluded.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Are you a non-smoker with a healthy weight?
Do you avoid taking regular nutritional supplements?
Are you free from chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or chronic inflammation?
Are you currently not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you not participated in another research study recently?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed information on what taking part involves is not provided in this summary. However, typically, studies like this might involve visits to a clinic for blood tests to check how the HMOs are being absorbed and processed by your body. You might be asked to provide other samples, like urine. The study would likely involve taking the HMOs for a certain period, and researchers would monitor your progress. The total duration of your participation would be explained to you before you agree to join.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies like this can help advance our understanding of health and potentially lead to new ways to support wellbeing. While there might not be a direct personal health benefit to you from taking part, you would be contributing to important scientific knowledge. Any potential risks, such as discomfort from blood tests or possible mild side effects from the HMOs, would be fully explained to you before you decide to join. Remember, you would have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Universität Bonn
Verified postcode
Bonn, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What are HMOs?

HMOs are special sugars naturally found in human milk that are thought to be good for gut health and the immune system.

Why are you studying HMOs in adults?

Researchers want to see if HMOs are absorbed into the bloodstream in adults, which could mean they have health benefits beyond just the gut.

Will I get sick from this study?

The study is designed for healthy adults. Any potential risks or side effects would be fully explained to you, but serious issues are unlikely.

Do I need to change my diet for the study?

Specific dietary instructions would be given if required, but generally, participants are asked not to take regular nutritional supplements.

What will happen to the information collected?

All information collected would be kept confidential and used for scientific research purposes to better understand HMOs.

How to find out more

Marie-Christine Simon, Jun. Prof.

mcsimon@uni-bonn.de +49 228 733814 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.