Plain English Summary
Background and study aims
This study has been designed to investigate the effect of a probiotic supplement on the natural bacteria of the vagina in healthy women. A healthy environment (microflora) in the vagina is supported by the presence of large numbers of certain bacteria called lactobacilli. Lower numbers of these bacteria have been associated with a risk of health problems such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections such as thrush, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
It is believed that taking a regular probiotic supplement containing lactobacilli by mouth can help increase the numbers of lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina. The reason for this is not entirely clear, but initial studies in both mice and healthy women have successfully shown this effect on the vaginal microflora. While similar studies have already been done, this study is different because it will look at the effects of only two specific lactobacillus bacteria in the probiotic supplement.
Who can participate?
Caucasian women between the age of 18 and 50 who have not have had any vaginal infections in the past 6 months and are willing to use a valid form of contraception throughout the study.
What does the study involve?
The study involves a total of five clinic visits over a period of up to about 2 months. Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group will be given capsules containing lactobacillus bacteria and the second group will be given placebo (dummy) capsules. During the supplementation period (14 days between Visit 2 and Visit 4) each participant will consume one capsule orally every day after breakfast. The numbers of lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina is measured at the start of the study and at day 7, day 14 and day 21.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no definite benefits for taking part in this study. It is possible that the probiotic supplement could have an effect on helping maintain a vaginal microflora considered healthy. There are no specific risks are anticipated in relation to the study product when taken by otherwise healthy people. Any potential side effects are unexpected but may include mild and transient symptoms related to the digestive tract, such as tummy discomfort, bloating, or wind. As with any food product, there is a possible risk of allergy to the ingredients of the study product.
Where is the study run from?
CPS Research (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
May 2020 to May 2021
Who is funding the study?
Danisco Sweeteners Oy (Finland)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Gordon Crawford
Trial website
Contact information
Type
Scientific
Primary contact
Ms Reeta Ala-Jaakkola
ORCID ID
Contact details
Danisco Sweeteners Oy
Sokeritehtaantie 20
Kantvik
Fl-02460
Finland
+358 (0)104312235
reeta.ala-jaakkola@dupont.com
Additional identifiers
EudraCT number
Nil known
ClinicalTrials.gov number
Nil known
Protocol/serial number
NH-05173
Study information
Scientific title
Vaginal colonization of lactobacillus acidophilus and lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus in healthy females: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Acronym
SG-FREYA
Study hypothesis
The primary objective of the study is to show the difference between verum supplementation and placebo in the vaginal colonization of L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus during and after 2 weeks supplementation of verum containing L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus.
Ethics approval
Approval pending, East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1 (Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Tayside Medical Science Centre (TASC), Residency Block, Level 3, George Pirie Way, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK)
Study design
Two-arm double-blind randomized placebo-controlled parallel-group single-centre study
Primary study design
Interventional
Secondary study design
Randomised controlled trial
Trial setting
Other
Trial type
Treatment
Patient information sheet
Not available in web format, please use contact details to request a participant information sheet
Condition
Vaginal health
Intervention
Participants will be screened at the screening visit (Visit 1) to check that all the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria are met. The eligibility will be confirmed before Visit 2 based on the laboratory results (vaginal swab: Nugent score (for BV) and Chlamydia and trichomoniasis) taken at Visit 1.
Randomization will be carried out with a computer-generated random allocation of study participants to one of two treatment groups in equal proportions using randomly permuted blocks.
After randomization at baseline (Visit 2), two groups will be provided with IP (dietary supplement): one group will be supplemented with capsules containing a mixture of the active ingredients at the intended daily dose of 1 x 10(10) CFUs probiotics L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus mixed with a carrier (maltodextrin) and a second group will consume placebo capsules containing carrier only. At randomization (Visit 2) and at Visit 3, each participant will receive one bottle of 10 capsules including capsules for each 7-day supplementation period.
During the supplementation period (14 days between Visit 2 and Visit 4) each participant will consume 1 capsule orally every day after breakfast, starting from the day after (Day 1) the baseline visit (Visit 2).
Intervention type
Supplement
Phase
Drug names
Primary outcome measure
Vaginal colonization of L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus measured with quantitative PCR at baseline, day 7, day 14 and day 21
Secondary outcome measures
Vaginal pH measured with pH test strips baseline, day 7, day 14 and day 21
Exploratory analyses include assessment of vaginal microbiota composition and immunological markers
Overall trial start date
07/05/2020
Overall trial end date
31/05/2021
Reason abandoned (if study stopped)
Eligibility
Participant inclusion criteria
1. Female
2. Age 18–50 years (fertile age)
3. Caucasian
4. No vaginal infections within the previous 6 months
5. Has not participated in another investigational drug clinical trial within 1 month (30 days) or received an investigational drug within the last month (30 days) before the start of screening
6. No significant changes in daily routines related to dietary/activity patterns
7. Willingness to take dietary supplements
8. Valid contraception for the duration of the study:
8.1. Use of oral, (estrogen and progesterone), injected or implanted hormonal methods of contraception or placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS), or other forms of hormonal contraception that have comparable efficacy
8.2. Total abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the subject. Periodic abstinence (e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-ovulation methods) and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception
8.3. Female sterilization (have had surgical bilateral oophorectomy with or without hysterectomy), total hysterectomy, or bilateral tubal ligation at least six weeks before taking study treatment.
8.4. Male sterilization (at least 6 months prior to screening). For female subjects on the study, the vasectomized male partner should be the sole partner for that subject
8.5. Barrier contraceptive (condoms)
9. Willingness to collaboration in completing the binding parts of the study protocol
Participant type
Healthy volunteer
Age group
Adult
Gender
Female
Target number of participants
50
Participant exclusion criteria
1. Vaginal or urinary complaints within 3 months
2. Vaginal pH > 4.5
3. Pregnant or planning pregnancy
4. Breastfeeding
5. History of significant vulvo-vaginal pathological conditions
6. Antibiotic usage during last 3 months
7. Oral corticosteroid usage during last 3 months
8. Use of vulvo-vaginal medication
9. Acquired or congenital immune deficiency
10. Recent history of radiotherapy (within 2 years)
11. Current or prolonged (more than 1 month in last 2 years) use of corticosteroids or other immune modulating medication. Inhaled corticosteroids for asthma are not considered as an exclusion if their usage has begun more than 3 months prior to recruitment
12. Habitual use of probiotic supplementation
13. Menstrual irregularities including menopause
14. On-going diagnosed disease which in the opinion of the investigator makes the participant unfit for the study
15. Intolerance to any of the study products
16. History of alcohol abuse within 2 years
17. History of drug abuse within 2 years
18. Unable to communicate with the investigator
Recruitment start date
01/10/2020
Recruitment end date
28/02/2021
Locations
Countries of recruitment
United Kingdom
Trial participating centre
CPS Research
3 Todd Campus
West of Scotland Science Park
Glasgow
G20 0XA
United Kingdom
Sponsor information
Organisation
DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences (Finland)
Sponsor details
Sokeritehtaantie 20
FI-02460 Kantvik
Kantvik
FI-02460
Finland
+358 (0)10 431 2235
Alvin.ibarra@dupont.com
Sponsor type
Industry
Website
Funders
Funder type
Industry
Funder name
DuPont
Alternative name(s)
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
Funding Body Type
private sector organisation
Funding Body Subtype
For-profit companies (industry)
Location
United States of America
Results and Publications
Publication and dissemination plan
Planned publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal. Full study protocol and statistical analyses plan won’t be available, but all the study methods and statistical analyses will be reported in the publication in detail.
IPD sharing statement
The Trial Master File of the study, containing pseudo-anonymized data, will be stored by the Sponsor for 25 years. At the moment, it is not planned to make the pseudo-anonymized data publicly available.
Intention to publish date
31/12/2021
Participant level data
Not expected to be available
Basic results (scientific)
Publication list