← Back to Clinical Trials
Recruiting NCT06738329

NCT06738329 Investigating the Impact of the Seaweed Derived Food Additive, Carrageenan, on the Human Gut Microbiome

◆ AI Clinical Summary
Plain-language summary for patients
Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06738329
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor University of Reading
Condition Gut Microbiome
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 99 participants
Start Date 2024-10-01
Primary Completion 2025-05-30

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 55 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Carrageenan gummy sweetCarrageenan and inulin gummy sweetPlacebo agar agar gummy

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 99 participants in total. It began in 2024-10-01 with a primary completion date of 2025-05-30.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

The goal of this study is to investigate whether a seaweed derived food additive, carrageenan, has an impact on the human gut microbiome in vivo. The primary purpose is to assess whether consumption of a carrageenan containing product for 4 weeks can alter the bacterial composition of the gut microbiome in healthy individuals and whether the addition of a prebiotic fibre, inulin, to the product has an enhanced beneficial impact of the gut composition. The main questions to answer are: Does the consumption of a confectionary item containing carrageenan and inulin lead to a positive impact on the faecal microbial community when compared to the confectionary item containing no carrageenan and no inulin (placebo)? Participants will be asked to consume 2 gummy sweets for 4 week period and provide stool and urine samples on 3 occasions over a 9 week period. Does the consumption of a confectionary item containing carrageenan and inulin improve gastrointestinal comfort measured using overall SHS-GI score when compared to baseline measurements recorded during run in period?

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy individuals Exclusion Criteria: * Prescribed antibiotics in the last 3 months * Individuals with any gut disorders such as IBS or IBD * individuals with any food allergies or intolerances * Individuals who regularly consume pre or probiotics

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06738329 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 55 Years, studying Gut Microbiome. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT06738329 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06738329 is actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact University of Reading to inquire about joining.

Where is the NCT06738329 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Reading, United Kingdom.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06738329 clinical trial?

NCT06738329 is sponsored by University of Reading. The trial plans to enroll 99 participants.

Related Trials

ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology