CompletedInterventional

Impact of Symprove in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) experience ongoing tiredness, joint problems, and gut issues, which can affect their daily lives. Managing these gut symptoms is often difficult. This study is exploring if a food supplement called Symprove could be a new way to help. Symprove is a liquid containing billions of healthy bacteria, designed to support the good bacteria in your gut. This online study will involve people with EDS taking Symprove daily for 12 weeks. They will fill out online surveys about their symptoms at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. There are no clinic visits. The goal is to understand if Symprove can make a positive difference to overall EDS symptoms and improve quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Symprove Ltd

Enrolment target

150

Start

09 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes

What is this study about?

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of conditions that affect the body's connective tissue, which is like the glue that holds everything together. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including often feeling very tired, having joints that dislocate easily, and experiencing tummy troubles like bloating or changes in bowel habits. These gut issues can be particularly challenging to manage, and doctors often treat specific symptoms rather than the underlying cause.

Recently, there's been a lot of interest in how the balance of bacteria in our gut – often called the 'gut microbiome' – can affect our health. Some believe that helping these good gut bacteria could be a new way to support people with conditions like EDS. This is where supplements like probiotics come in, as they aim to boost the number of helpful bacteria in the gut.

This particular study is a 'pilot study', which means it's one of the first to look into how a specific food supplement called Symprove might help people with EDS. Symprove is a water-based drink that contains billions of live, active good bacteria. The idea is that by taking Symprove, you're encouraging your gut to have a healthier balance of bacteria, which might then help improve some of your EDS symptoms. The study will look at overall EDS symptoms, not just gut-related ones, to see if there's a broader impact.

Key takeaways

Looks at how Symprove might help EDS symptoms, especially gut issues.
It's an online study, all done from home.
Involves taking Symprove daily for 12 weeks.
You'll complete three online surveys about your symptoms.
Aims to improve understanding of EDS management.
You get a free extra course of Symprove if you complete the study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 75 years old and live in the UK. You should have received a diagnosis of any type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome from a doctor, or you might have self-diagnosed your EDS. All participants will be found through Ehlers-Danlos Support UK.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are already taking other probiotics (like certain yogurts or supplements), or if you've recently taken antibiotics, you won't be eligible. Also, if you have certain other serious health conditions, particularly those affecting your gut (like Crohn's disease or coeliac disease), heart, lungs, or kidneys, or if you've recently had major surgery or cancer treatment, you wouldn't be able to participate.

We also can't include you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you're experiencing unstable mental health issues that have recently led to changes in your medication. Finally, if you've taken Symprove recently (in the last 3 months) or are already part of another study receiving treatment, you won't be able to take part in this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old and live in the UK?
Do you have a diagnosis of EDS (from a doctor or self-diagnosed)?
Are you NOT currently taking other probiotics or prebiotics?
Have you NOT taken antibiotics in the last 4 weeks?
Do you NOT have serious gut, heart, lung, or kidney conditions?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is entirely online, so you won't need to visit any clinics. If you agree to take part, you'll fill out an online consent form. Then, you'll receive a 12-week supply of Symprove, which you'll need to drink 70 ml of every day. You'll also be asked to complete three online surveys about your symptoms. The first survey is before you start taking Symprove, the second is after 6 weeks, and the final one is after 12 weeks (when you finish the Symprove course). The study will run for a total of 12 weeks, during which you'll be taking Symprove and completing these surveys.

Potential risks and benefits

While you might not personally feel any direct health benefits from taking part in this study, your contributions are really important. This kind of research helps us better understand Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and could lead to better ways of managing the condition for others in the future. As a thank you, everyone who completes the study will get a code for another free 12-week course of Symprove if they wish to continue. It's possible that when you first start taking Symprove, you might experience some mild tummy issues like bloating or changes in your bowel habits. These usually settle down within the first few weeks. Remember, you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

EDS Support UK
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is Symprove?

Symprove is a water-based liquid food supplement that contains billions of live and active healthy bacteria, designed to support your gut health.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for 12 weeks in total, during which you'll take Symprove daily and complete three online surveys.

Do I need to visit a clinic?

No, this is an online study, so there are no clinic visits required. Everything is done from your home.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by Symprove Ltd, the company that makes Symprove.

What do I do if I have questions?

You can contact EDS Support UK by emailing research@ehlers-danlos.org with any questions you have.

How to find out more

Susan Booth

research@ehlers-danlos.org +44 (0)800 246 1391 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.