Reducing gut microbiome damage caused by antibiotics using dietary fiber
Official title: Alleviating antibiotic-induced microbiome dysfunction by quenching the microbial redox environment
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11189881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how antibiotics can upset the good bacteria in our gut, which can lead to problems like C. difficile infections and even long-term issues like obesity and diabetes, and it’s exploring how adding dietary fiber might help protect those good bacteria during antibiotic treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $340,449 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AT012463-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11189881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are prescribed antibiotics and are at risk of developing gut-related complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing antibiotic treatment or do not have gut microbiome-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to serious health issues like C. difficile colitis and long-term conditions such as obesity and diabetes. The approach focuses on using dietary fiber to lower the gut's redox potential, which may help protect beneficial bacteria during antibiotic treatment. By testing various compounds in laboratory cultures, the researchers aim to identify effective strategies to enhance microbiome resilience and reduce susceptibility to harmful bacteria. The ultimate goal is to develop therapies that can safeguard the microbiome while maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect patients' gut health during antibiotic treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using dietary interventions to support gut health during antibiotic therapy, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belenky, Peter — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Belenky, Peter
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.