Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 16 to 50 Women only

Exploring the role of gut microbiota in anorexia nervosa

Official title: Gut Microbiota Alterations in Anorexia Nervosa - Paving the Way for Personalized Prebiotic Treatment Strategies

Run by Norwegian University of Life Sciences · NCT06144905 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how the bacteria in the gut might be linked to anorexia nervosa in women aged 16-50 with a low body weight to see if it can help improve treatment options.

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Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages16 Years to 50 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment180 (estimated)
SponsorNorwegian University of Life Sciences
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ås, Ås)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 24, 2023
Main results expectedSeptember 2025
Study endsSeptember 2043
Registry record updatedMay 23, 2025
Trial IDNCT06144905 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are females aged 16-50 with a BMI under 18.5 who meet the ICD-10 criteria for anorexia nervosa and are currently referred for specialized inpatient nutritional treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or recent antibiotic use may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and anorexia nervosa (AN) in female patients aged 16-50 with a BMI under 18.5. Participants will receive standard care treatment while their microbiota composition and function are analyzed to identify potential biological factors associated with AN. The study aims to enhance understanding of the condition and explore novel treatment strategies that could be integrated into existing care without adding complexity. The findings may provide insights into the biological underpinnings of AN and inform future therapeutic approaches.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for anorexia nervosa by targeting gut microbiota.

How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of gut microbiota in mental health is a growing field, this specific approach in anorexia nervosa is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria AN group

1. Sex: Female
2. Age: 16-50 years
3. BMI: \<18.5 kg/m2
4. fulfilling ICD-10 criteria for AN
5. currently referred to specialized inpatient nutritional treatment for AN
6. able to understand the Norwegian questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria AND group:

1. history of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or GI tract surgery;
2. treatment with oral antibiotics the past two months
3. high intake of probiotic supplements over the past two months.

Inclusion criteria control group

1. Sex: Female
2. Age: 16-50 years
3. BMI: \>= 18.5 \& \< 27
4. able to understand the Norwegian questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria AND group:

1. history of inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or GI tract surgery;
2. treatment with oral antibiotics the past two months
3. high intake of probiotic supplements over the past two months.

Where it's running

  • Norwegian University of Life Sciences
    Ås, Ås, Norway
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Siv K Bøhn, PhD — Norwegian University of Life Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Siv K Bøhn, PhD
  • Email: sivb@nmbu.no
  • Phone: +47 67232502

Similar studies

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.