Enrolling by invitationNAINTERVENTIONAL

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and Gut Microbiota, Immune System in Antarctica

This study aims to understand if a special sugar found in mothers' milk, called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), can benefit the health of adults living in Antarctica. Life at the Concordia station in Antarctica is a lot like being in space – it's isolated, at high altitude, and tough on the body, especially the immune system and how the body handles sugar. Previous research suggests HMOs can improve gut bacteria, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. We hope that taking HMOs as a supplement will help protect their gut health, strengthen their immune system, and improve how their body uses sugar, potentially even helping with mood during this demanding experience. Participants will either take the HMO supplement or a dummy pill (placebo) and have regular health checks.

At a glance

Status

Enrolling by invitation

Phase

Sponsor

IU University of Applied Sciences

Enrolment target

Start

24 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Healthy Adults High Altitude Isolation, Social

What is this study about?

This research study is all about understanding how a natural sugar, called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), might help healthy adults cope better in very challenging environments. HMOs are naturally found in mothers' milk and are known to be really good for babies' developing gut health and immune systems. Early studies also suggest they could offer similar benefits to adults, by encouraging good gut bacteria and helping to reduce inflammation in the body. We're interested in seeing if these special sugars can make a difference for people living in extreme conditions.

The chosen location for this study is the Concordia station in Antarctica. This place is unique because it's very isolated, at a high altitude, and the extreme cold and long periods of darkness can be tough on the body, affecting things like the immune system and how the body manages sugar. Because of these challenges, living in Concordia is often compared to the stresses of long-term space travel. By studying participants there, we hope to learn valuable lessons that could apply to astronauts or anyone facing similar demanding conditions.

Our main idea is that taking HMOs as a daily supplement will help improve several key areas of health. We specifically want to see if it can improve their gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria, strengthen their immune system, help their body handle sugar better, and even potentially reduce feelings of anxiety or low mood. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the HMO supplement and the other receiving a "dummy" pill (placebo) to allow for a fair comparison.

Key takeaways

The study investigates if natural sugars from breast milk (HMOs) can improve health in Antarctica.
Antarctica provides a unique, challenging environment similar to space travel for this research.
Participants will take either an HMO supplement or a dummy pill.
The study aims to improve gut health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Regular health checks, including blood and stool samples, will be conducted.
Your participation could help us understand how to support health in extreme conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, volunteers need to be generally fit and well, both physically and mentally. You'll also need to have healthy blood sugar levels and be willing to take part in all aspects of the study for its full length, including being randomly assigned to either the HMO or the placebo group. You'll have medical checks to make sure you're suitable and will need to provide your written consent to participate.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include taking any medications that might affect the study results, having a poor nutritional status recently, or using drugs, medicines, or alcohol in an unhealthy way. You also can't have taken part in another study within two months before this one starts, or have donated blood in the last three months. Vegetarians and vegans are also not eligible for this particular study, nor are those who can't pass a criminal background check or don't sign the consent form before the study begins.

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 65 years old?
Are you generally healthy, both physically and mentally?
Do you have normal blood sugar levels?
Are you willing to stay in Antarctica for about a year and complete all study requirements?
Are you not currently taking medications that might interfere with the study?
Are you not a vegetarian or vegan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be assigned by chance (like a coin toss) to either receive the Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) supplement or a placebo (a dummy pill that looks the same but contains no active ingredient). You won't know which one you're taking, and neither will the study team, to keep the results unbiased.

You will be staying in Antarctica for approximately one year. During this time, the study involves regular check-ups. Before you leave for Antarctica, you'll have an initial set of tests. Then, throughout your stay at the Concordia station, you'll have similar tests about every two months. These tests include giving blood samples, doing an oral glucose tolerance test (where you drink a sugary drink and have your blood sugar measured), providing saliva samples, and collecting stool (poo) samples. You'll have one final set of tests once you return home. The total duration of your active participation, including the journey and stay, will be around one year.

Potential risks and benefits

While we hope this study will help us understand the potential benefits of HMOs in extreme environments, there are no guaranteed direct benefits to you as an individual. However, your participation will greatly help advance our knowledge in important areas like gut health, immunity, and adapting to challenging conditions. As with any medical study, there are some potential risks, mainly from blood draws and the oral glucose tolerance test, which might cause minor discomfort or bruising. We have taken every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the study. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

IU International University of Applied Sciences
Verified postcode
Erfurt, Germany

Common questions

What are Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)?

HMOs are special types of sugar found naturally in mothers' milk. They are known to help feed good bacteria in the gut and support the immune system, especially in babies.

Why is the study happening in Antarctica?

Life in Antarctica, especially at the Concordia station, is very challenging and similar in some ways to living in space. It helps us understand how the body copes with isolation, high altitude, and stress, which can affect health.

Will I know if I'm taking the HMOs or the placebo?

No, you won't know whether you're taking the actual HMOs or a dummy pill (placebo). This is a standard practice in research to ensure the results are as accurate as possible.

What kind of tests will I need to have?

You'll have regular blood tests, a test where you drink a sugary drink to check your blood sugar, and you'll provide saliva and stool (poo) samples.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify the funding source for this trial.

How to find out more

Official trial record

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