Modifying gut bacteria with oral sialic acid in healthy adults
Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Oral Sialic Acid: A Mechanistic Study
We are testing whether taking oral sialic acid changes the gut microbiome in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Army Medical University, China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT07162662 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center prospective cohort gives oral sialic acid to healthy volunteers and monitors changes in their gut microbiota over time. Stool samples will be collected serially and analyzed (e.g., sequencing and microbial quantification) with particular attention to growth of pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Participants are aged 18–75, must be free of major diseases and recent antibiotics, and will be followed according to a predefined protocol. The goal is to clarify how sialic acid intake affects intestinal microbial structure and to inform strategies to preserve or restore intestinal homeostasis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–75 with no major medical conditions, no recent use of antibiotics/probiotics/immunosuppressants, and willing to sign informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with serious comorbidities, recent severe infections or anti-infective treatment, pregnant or lactating women, or those unable to follow the protocol are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify how sialic acid intake shifts gut bacteria and suggest ways to prevent pathogen overgrowth and protect intestinal healing.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and observational studies suggest sialic acid can feed certain gut pathogens, but controlled human interventional data on oral sialic acid are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 75 years * No history of major diseases, no previous surgical history, and no history of cardiometabolic diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, etc.) * No use of drugs that may affect gut microbiota or metabolic function (e.g., antibiotics, probiotics, immunosuppressants, etc.); * Voluntarily participate in the study and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Comorbidities: Complicated with other severe diseases (e.g., immunodeficiency, chronic liver disease, renal insufficiency, malignant tumors, etc.). * Recent infections: Registration records indicate a history of severe infections in the recent period (within 3 months) or currently receiving anti-infective treatment. * Special populations: Pregnant women, lactating women, or women planning to become pregnant. * Poor compliance: Volunteers who are unable to cooperate with the study protocol or follow-up
Where this trial is running
Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University — Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xiaolong Li, MD
- Email: 917304077@qq.com
- Phone: +86 15025326575
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.