Boosting butyrate-producing gut bacteria to improve gut health
Official title: Isolate and Characterise Probiotics Capable of Increasing Butyrate Production in Order to Develop Products That Improve Gut Health and Microbiota Balance
Run by Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement · NCT07198984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try to find and describe probiotic bacteria that increase butyrate in adults aged 20–80 to see if that improves gut microbiota balance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jouy-en-Josas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2028 |
| Study ends | November 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 16, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07198984 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults 20–80 years old with BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m², not on recent antibiotics or probiotics, and (for ages 20–60) who exercise at least twice weekly or follow a flexitarian diet.
✕Probably not a fit
People with chronic conditions, recent antibiotic or probiotic use, BMI outside 18.5–30, age under 20 or over 80, or inability to attend on-site sampling are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational project will collect stool samples from healthy adults aged 20–80 and use culture, sequencing, and metabolite assays to isolate and characterize bacteria that produce butyrate. Candidate strains will be tested in vitro for butyrate output and for beneficial effects on intestinal cells and microbial communities. The study applies inclusion criteria (BMI 18.5–30 kg/m²; for ages 20–60, regular exercise or a flexitarian diet) and excludes recent antibiotic or probiotic use to reduce variability. Results are intended to guide selection of high-functionality probiotic strains for future development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to probiotic products that raise butyrate levels, strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce gut inflammation, and improve digestive and metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that dietary fiber and certain probiotic strains can increase butyrate and benefit gut health, but isolating novel high-butyrate strains for targeted probiotic products is still an emerging area.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * People between the ages of 20 and 80, in good health, with a body mass index between 18.5 kg/m² and 30 kg/m², who are not deprived of their liberty or under guardianship. * Additional criteria for people aged between 20 and 60: Engaging in sports at least twice a week or following a flexitarian diet, No known chronic conditions, Not undergoing chronic treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * Under the age of 20 or over the age of 80, Part of the principal investigator's team, Reporting to the investigator (intern, student, or employee under their authority), Having been on antibiotic therapy in the 3 months prior to sampling, Having taken probiotics in the 15 days prior to sampling, Having taken synbiotics in the 15 days prior to sampling, Having a BMI below 18.5 kg/m² or above 30 kg/m², Being deprived of liberty or under guardianship. * Additional criteria for people aged between 20 and 60: Not exercising twice a week or following a flexitarian diet, Having a chronic illness, Undergoing chronic treatment
Where it's running
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Inrae
Jouy-en-Josas, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: REBECA MARTIN ROSIQUE, PhD
- Email: rebeca.martin-rosique@inrae.fr
- Phone: 00 33 1 34 65 20 98
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.