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Probiotic Chocolate Study in Multiple Sclerosis

Effects of Probiotics on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and in Family Members of Persons With MS

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06475183
Acronym
ProChocolate
Enrollment
92
Registered
2024-06-26
Start date
2024-06-01
Completion date
2024-12-09
Last updated
2025-03-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Healthy Nutrition, Multiple Sclerosis

Keywords

muliple sclerosis, probiotic

Brief summary

The goal of this study is to assess the effects of probiotics on persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), persons at higher genetic risk for MS (first degree family members of persons with MS), and healthy controls. Participants will be asked to consume probiotic containing chocolates (Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate Probiotic Napolitains containing 10 billion CFUs of bifidobacterium longum per day) for 6 weeks. Participants will undergo blood draws before and after the 6 weeks of probiotic containing chocolate and microbial metabolites and immune markers will be compared before and after the probiotics, as well as between groups.

Detailed description

The goal of this study is to assess the effects of probiotics in persons with MS (PwMS), persons at high genetic risk for MS (first degree family members of PwMS), and healthy controls. PwMS. Subjects undergo blood draws and will complete surveys on neurological symptoms (as relevant). Subjects are given a supply of individually wrapped probiotic containing chocolates (Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate Probiotic Napolitains) along with instructions on proper storage, dosage, and a diary to complete regarding supplement adherence. After a ramp up period of 3 days during which participants will consume take 2 chocolates per day, participants consume 5 chocolates per day (10 billion CFUs of bifidobacterium longum per day) for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks participants return the adherence diaries and answer questions about probiotic tolerance. They also repeat similar surveys and again undergo blood draws. Serum levels of microbial metabolites and peripheral blood immune profiles are assessed before and after supplementation.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTBouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate Probiotic Napolitains, containing bifidobacterium longum

Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate Probiotic Napolitains containing 10 billion CFUs of bifidobacterium longum daily for 6 weeks

Sponsors

Columbia University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Multiple Sclerosis (MS) subjects, first-degree relatives of MS subjects, or healthy controls * Age 18-45

Exclusion criteria

* diabetes * tree nut allergy * pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in serum microbial metabolitesbaseilne (week 0) to week 6percent change in short chain fatty acid levels from baseline to week 6
peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) profile: Change in Regulatory T (Treg) cellsbaseline (week 0) to week 6percent change in Treg cells from baseline to week 6
peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) profile: Change in T helper (TH) cellsbaseline (week 0) to week 6change in ratio of TH1 to Th2 cells from baseline to week 6
peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) profile: Change in T helper Th17 cellsbaseline (week 0) to week 6percent change in Th17 cells from baseline to week 6

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale-5 Impact Scaleweek 0, week 6brief patient reported measure of fatigue, range of values is 0-20 with a higher score indicating worse outcome
Change in Patient-Determined Disability Scale (PDDS)week 0, week 6brief-patient reported meausre of disability in MS, range of values is 0-8 with higher score indicating worse outcome
Change in Bowel Control Scaleweek 0, week 6brief patient reported measure of bowel control and impact of bowel problems on everyday life, range of scores is 0-16 with higher score indicating worse outcome
Change in Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale- Revised (MSRS-R) Patient-Determined Disease Steps Scaleweek 0, week 6brief patient reported measure of disability in MS, range of scores is 0-32 with higher score indicating higher disability

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026