Study Comparing Colon-Delivered Riboflavin and Conventional Riboflavin on Gut Health and Microbiome in Healthy Adults Aged 50 to 70

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of colon-delivered vitamin B2 riboflavin compared to conventional riboflavin and a placebo in healthy adults aged 50 to 70. This study aims to understand how these forms affect gut microbiota, metabolic activity, and overall gut health, especially in an aging population. The trial explores potential benefits of riboflavin that reaches the colon versus forms absorbed earlier in the digestive tract. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups one taking 10 mg of colon-delivered riboflavin, another taking 10 mg of conventional riboflavin absorbed in the upper small intestine, or a placebo group receiving 10 mg of microcrystalline cellulose. The study includes an 8-week period of daily supplementation, with the last 4 weeks including an additional 5 g of dietary fiber inulin to the daily diet. Throughout the study, participants will undergo evaluations of gut microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic markers such as fecal organic acids, riboflavin levels, pH, and calprotectin. Assessments also include gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency and frequency, quality of life, and perceived benefit. These measures will help determine the impact of the different riboflavin forms on gut health. The study began in July 2025 and will continue until September 2026.

Colon-delivered Riboflavin and Gut Microbiota Composition