Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
The Brain, the Bug, and the Binge: the Interplay Between Binge Drinking, Gut Microbiota, and Brain Functioning
Sponsor: University of Minho
Summary
Adolescence and youth are periods of significant maturational changes which seems to involve greater susceptibility to disruptive events in the brain such as binge drinking (BD). This prevalent pattern of consumption -characterized by repeated alcohol intoxications- is of special concern, as it has been associated with major neurocognitive impairments in the young brain. Recent studies indicate that alcohol may disrupt the gut microbiota (GM) and that these disruptions may lead to impairments in brain and behavior. Also, interventions with psychobiotics have been shown to result in reductions in alcohol-induced damage and in improvements on cognitive and brain functioning. Thus, the present proposal will explore the effects of BD on GM. Additionally, a GM intervention with psychobiotics both in-vivo and in-vitro, will determine whether improvements in GM composition/function may lead to reductions of alcohol-induced brain damage in BD-population, a barely unexplored research field with major clinical applications.
Official title: The Brain, the Bug, and the Binge: a Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Interplay Between Binge Drinking, Gut Microbiota and Brain Functioning
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 23 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
82
Start Date
2023-02-24
Completion Date
2025-11-30
Last Updated
2025-07-16
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Inulin Intervention
For 6 weeks, 23 binge drinkers will be given a daily dose (divided into three times a day) of 15g of a dietary fiber with benefits for intestinal bacteria (inulin).
Maltodextrin Intervention
For 6 weeks, 23 binge drinkers will be given a daily dose (divided into three times a day) of 15g of dietary fiber with no specific benefits for the intestinal microbiome (maltodextrin).
Locations (1)
Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Center, University of Minho
Braga, Gualtar, Braga, Portugal