Probiotic treatment for improving gut health in pregnant women in Senegal

Ability of the Probiotic Vivomixx to Improve Environmental Enteropathy in Pregnant Women: a Proof of Concept Trial in Senegal

Phase 2 Interventional Institut Pasteur de Dakar · NCT05501470

This study is testing whether a probiotic treatment can help improve gut health in pregnant women in Senegal who are dealing with a condition that can affect their children's growth.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment76 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorInstitut Pasteur de Dakar Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guédiawaye, Dakar)
Trial IDNCT05501470 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of probiotics on Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) in pregnant women living in Senegal. EED is a condition that negatively impacts gut health and is linked to childhood stunting, which affects millions of children globally. The study will compare the probiotic treatment to a placebo to assess its efficacy in improving gut microbiota and overall health. Participants will be monitored for safety and effectiveness over the course of the trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women over the age of 18 residing in the Guediawaye district of Senegal.

Not a fit: Patients who have had diarrhea or taken antibiotics or probiotics in the past 14 days may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve gut health in pregnant women, potentially reducing the risk of stunting in their children.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with probiotics in improving gut health, but this specific approach in pregnant women with EED is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women over the age of 18, living in Guediawaye district, Senegal

Exclusion Criteria:

* • have had diarrhea, defined as the passage of three or more loose stools per 24 hours, in the preceding 14 days

  * have taken antibiotics or probiotics in the preceding 14 days
  * have taken non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the preceding 14 days
  * have any illness which in the opinion of the investigator will complicate assessment of safety or efficacy
  * have any gastrointestinal contraindication to ingestion of a capsule (known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, stricture, fistula, gastroparesis, or any swallowing disorder.)
  * have a plan to leave the study area within the follow-up period

but may be enrolled if/when these disqualifiers have expired.

Where this trial is running

Guédiawaye, Dakar

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Environmental Enteric DysfunctionGut healthgut microbiotaSenegalprobioticsVivomixxVSL3
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.