Efficacy of Symprove Probiotics in Coeliac Disease
A Proof-of-Concept Study to Assess the Efficacy of Symprove Probiotics in Managing Persistent Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adult Coeliac Disease Patients in Histological Remission
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
24 participants
Jan 29, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Coeliac Disease (CD) is a lifelong autoimmune condition where eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) causes damage to the small intestine. It affects around 1 in 100 people. Most individuals feel better and their gut heals after switching to a strict gluten-free diet. However, up to 1 in 5 people with coeliac disease continue to experience unpleasant gut symptoms-such as bloating, pain, and diarrhoea-despite following the diet and having a healed intestine. These ongoing symptoms can be very distressing and impact daily life. This study investigates whether a food supplement called Symprove, a probiotic drink containing live good bacteria, can help relieve these ongoing symptoms. Scientists believe that in some people with coeliac disease, the community of bacteria in the gut (called the microbiota) becomes unbalanced, even after going gluten-free. This imbalance (known as dysbiosis) may lead to inflammation, irritation, and symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study is to test whether Symprove can help correct this imbalance and reduce symptoms. Participants will take Symprove daily and their symptoms, quality of life, and gut bacteria (measured from stool samples) will be monitored over time. The study hopes to answer three key questions: Can Symprove reduce gut symptoms in people with coeliac disease who are in remission? Does it work by restoring a healthy balance of gut bacteria? Are people with more severe imbalance (dysbiosis) more likely to have symptoms? If successful, this research could offer a safe, non-drug option to improve life for coeliac patients who continue to suffer symptoms despite avoiding gluten. It could also help suggest that gut bacteria play a role in ongoing symptoms and are a target for future treatment.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Adults aged 18-65 years with biopsy-confirmed coeliac disease (CD)
- Normal duodenal biopsy (Marsh 0 or Marsh I) within the last 12 months, confirming histological remission
- Adherence to a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) for at least 6 months
- Persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms for at least 6 months despite adherence to GFD and histological remission
- Ability to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria6
- Active gluten ingestion or non-adherence to a gluten-free diet
- Use of antibiotics within the past 3 months
- Use of probiotics within the past 3 months
- Known comorbidities affecting gastrointestinal function (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome with severe diarrhea, or other significant gastrointestinal disorders)
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Inability to provide informed consent
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Interventions
Symprove is a water-based, multi-strain probiotic food supplement containing live bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains). Participants will take 70 mL of Symprove orally once daily for 3 months (90 days total), with an optional fourth month available if participants complete all month-3 assessments. The probiotic will be provided free of charge to participants. Symprove is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for coeliac disease patients. The intervention aims to rebalance gut microbiota dysbiosis and reduce persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in coeliac disease patients in histological remission.
Locations(1)
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NCT07360106