NCT05820893 · VA Office of Research and Development
Resistant Potato Starch to Alleviate GWI
What this study is about
Gulf War Illness (GWI) affects an estimated 25-32% of the over 700,000 coalition troops deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the First Gulf War. GWI causes a range of pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal, skin, neurologic, and respiratory symptoms. New treatments to reduce GWI-associated morbidity are critically needed.
View original scientific description
Gulf War Illness (GWI) affects an estimated 25-32% of the over 700,000 coalition troops deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the First Gulf War. GWI causes a range of pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal, skin, neurologic, and respiratory symptoms. New treatments to reduce GWI-associated morbidity are critically needed. Research suggests a role for the gastrointestinal microbiome in mediating health, including through impacting metabolism and immunity. The disruption of this microbiome plays a role in multiple diseases, and preliminary data suggest that Veterans with GWI have altered gut microbiota. The investigators will evaluate the effectiveness of a dietary fiber prebiotic supplement intervention on improving the quality of life of Veterans with GWI.
Interventions
DRUG
Resistant Potato Starch
MSPrebiotic (MSPrebiotic Inc, Carberry, Manitoba, Canada). MSPrebiotic is an unmodified resistant starch derived from potatoes (Solanar tuberosum). It consists of 20% amylose and 80% amylopectin forming granules the stomach and small intestine are unable to digest allowing for absorption in the colon. MSPrebiotic is consumed by mixing 10g into cold or room temperature foods or beverages; it is not to be heated. Participants will be instructed to take MSPrebiotic 2 or more hours before or after consuming any medications.
Primary outcome measures
Changes from baseline to the end of the study period in the composition of the gut microbiome
Time frame: 2 years
The gut microbiome will be assessed using next generation sequencing (shotgun metagenomics)
Changes from baseline to the end of the study period in the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and other metabolites identified in the gut microbiome
Time frame: 2 years
The metabolites in the gut will be identified through next-generation sequencing technology and both targeted and untargeted metabolomics.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Ability to provide informed written consent
- Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study (including providing stool samples)
- Meeting the modified Kansas GWI case definition\
- with gut symptoms endorsed
- Deployed to Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Storm or Desert Shield56.Aged 50-85 years old
- Moderate to severe GWI symptoms lasting at least 6 months in a minimum of three of the six symptom domains (one of which must be fatigue). The symptom domains are:
- Pain (joint pain, muscle pain)
- Gastrointestinal (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping)
- Respiratory (persistent cough, wheezing)
- Skin (rashes)
- Fatigue (sleep problems, fatigue)
- Neurologic (memory problems, headaches, dizziness, mood changes)
Exclusion criteria
- A Known SARS-CoV-2 infection in the last 60 days and/or with a diagnosis of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, sometimes called long COVID) defined as COVID-19 symptoms lasting for greater than 6 months.
- Subjects identified as, or appearing to, lack consent capacity
- Alcohol abuse (greater than 14 drinks per week for men and 7 drinks per week for women)
- Use of investigational drugs, biologics, or devices within 30 days prior to randomization.
- Individuals who are pregnant, lactating or planning on becoming pregnant during the study.
- Diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or Celiac's disease
- Uncontrolled/untreated hypothyroidism
- Previous gastrointestinal surgery (colorectal surgery, gastric bypass, intestinal resection)
- Systemic antibiotics in the last 30 days
- Fecal microbiota transplant in the last 30 days
- Active dysphagia
- Allergies to any of the ingredients in MSPrebiotic
- Use of immunomodulatory medications in the last 30 days
- Any other factor, condition, or medication not listed above the Investigators believe will affect the response in the gut or the interpretation of results.
Where
- Madison, Wisconsin
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations