Effect of Fermented Soybean (FSB) Supplementation on Gas-troesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

NATTOME SDN BHD

Status: Completed

Conditions: Gastro Esophageal Reflux

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Supplement without fermented soybean; Dietary Supplement: Fermented Soybean

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06524271

Nat0001

Details and patient eligibility

About

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent chronic condition affecting the well-being of both adults and children in general medical practice. Research on the effects of fermented soy-bean (FSB) supplementation in managing GERD is relatively new, with limited studies available. Existing research often lacks sufficient dosing regimens and study durations to differentiate be-tween transient placebo effects and sustained benefits. In this study, the beneficial effects of FSB supplementation were investigated in 50 voluntary participants. Participants were required to take 1g of FSB supplement once daily for twelve weeks. GERD symptoms were evaluated using the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ), while inflammatory markers, including interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8), were measured to assess inflammation. The Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire was used to evaluate partici-pants' quality of life. Results indicated that FSB supplementation significantly (P<0.05) alleviated heartburn and regurgitation symptoms and reduced levels of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8, indicating a notable anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, significant (P<0.05) improvements were observed in QOLRAD scores, particularly in vitality, emotional distress, and physical/social functioning. Collectively, our findings support the use of FSB as an adjuvant approach in managing GERD, with notable improvements in patients' quality of life.

Enrollment: 110 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

(1) experienced heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation, or non-cardiac chest pain within the past three months; (2) aged 18 years or older; (3) demonstrated the ability to comprehend the study protocol and information provided by the investigators; and (4) provided in-formed consent.

Exclusion criteria

1. use of medications related to GERD, such as acid inhibitors, antacids, prokinetics, gastric mucosal protectors, herbs, probiotics, or related preparations within the past two weeks; (2) a history of gastro-esophageal or duodenal surgery; (3) diagnosis of peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal or gastric varices, or upper GI malignancies confirmed by endoscopy at tertiary hospitals; and (4) pregnancy or lactation

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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110 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Fermented soybean supplementation

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention supplement composed of Lactobacillus delbrueckii FSB, hydrogen-ated palm kernel oil, sodium caseinate, isolated soy protein, brown rice, inulin, digestive enzymes blend (lactase, protease, cellulase, lipase, amylase, pectinase, papain, and bromelain), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), and Bifidobacterium longum, powder form packaged in individual sachets (NattomeTM, Nattome, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). The dosage of FSB in each sachet was 1g.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Fermented Soybean

Placebo control

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The placebo supplement had the exact composition of ingredients but excluding FSB.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Supplement without fermented soybean