Exploring the effects of binge drinking on gut microbiota and brain function in young adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between binge drinking, gut microbiota, and brain function in young college students aged 18-23. It aims to understand how alcohol consumption affects gut health and cognitive performance through various assessments, including brain imaging and cognitive tests. Participants will be categorized as binge drinkers or non/low-drinkers based on their drinking patterns and will undergo interventions with psychobiotics to evaluate potential improvements in gut microbiota and brain function. The research will be conducted at the University of Minho in Portugal, utilizing both in-vivo and in-vitro methodologies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* College students whose native language is Portuguese;
* Age 18-23 years;
* Binge Drinkers: report (i) drinking 4 (for women)/5 (for men) or more drinks on one occasion at least once a month, (ii) drinking at a speed of at least two drinks per hour during these episodes (which brings blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 g/dL or above), and (iii) having an AUDIT score \< 20.
* Non/Low-Drinkers: report (i) never drinking 4/5 or more drinks on one occasion and (ii) having an AUDIT score ≤ 4.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of illicit drugs as determined by the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT);
* Alcohol abuse (i.e., AUDIT ≥ 20);
* Personal history of psychopathological disorders (according to DSM-V criteria);
* History of traumatic brain injury or neurological disorder;
* Family history (mother/father) of alcoholism diagnosis of substance abuse;
* Occurrence of one or more episodes of loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes;
* Non-corrected sensory deficits;
* Diagnosis of any gut disease/problems or other medical conditions: inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's Disease, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, autoimmune disease;
* Consumption of medical drugs with psychoactive effects (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics or benzodiazepines) during the 4 weeks prior to the experiment;
* Use of any of the following drugs in the last 4 weeks: laxatives, antibiotics, anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, corticosteroids;
* No type of metal object implanted in the body, especially in the head (orthodontic appliances are not excluded).

Where it's running

• Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Center, University of Minho
  Braga, Gualtar, Braga, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Eduardo G. López-Caneda, PhD — Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Center, University of Minho, Portugal.
• Study coordinator: Eduardo G. López-Caneda, PhD
• Email: eduardo.lopez@psi.uminho.pt
• Phone: (+351) 253 604 223

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.