Investigating the effects of probiotics on gut health and heart disease risk in people living with HIV who drink heavily

Microbiome, metabolites, and alcohol in HIV to reduce CVD RCT (META HIV CVD RCT)

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10908491

This study is looking at how probiotics might help people with HIV who drink a lot of alcohol by improving their gut health and reducing inflammation, which could lower their risk of heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908491 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on individuals living with HIV who consume alcohol heavily, as they face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study aims to determine whether probiotics can improve gut health by reducing harmful gut bacteria and inflammation associated with alcohol consumption. By examining changes in gut microbiome, inflammation levels, and harmful metabolites, the research seeks to understand how these factors relate to CVD risk. Participants will be monitored for improvements in their health outcomes as a result of the intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are heavy drinkers and currently on antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not living with HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new probiotic treatments that significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk in people living with HIV who consume alcohol.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with probiotics improving gut health and reducing inflammation in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this research.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.