Ca-Mg Butyrate for Gulf War Syndrome
(Butyrate Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The primary objective of this clinical trial is to determine if treatment with Butyrate formulation that consists of butyric acid as calcium and magnesium derivatives (Ca-Mg Butyrate) improves the physical function of men and women Veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness (GWI). The primary outcome measure is a change from baseline on the Short Form Health Survey 36-item (VSF-36), with respect to physical functioning and symptoms. The secondary outcome will focus on the drug's role in (a) restoring gut microbiome and virome, (b) decreasing gastrointestinal disturbances (constipation, diarrhea, pain), (c) decreasing chronic fatigue, (d) decreasing systemic inflammation, and (e) a decrease in cognitive deficits.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications that affect gut motility, immune function, or contain calcium or magnesium butyrate at least 3 months before starting. If you're on steroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressives, you need to stop them at least 1 month prior. Check with the trial team for specific guidance on your medications.
Is Ca-Mg Butyrate safe for humans?
How does the drug Ca-Mg Butyrate differ from other treatments for Gulf War Syndrome?
Ca-Mg Butyrate is unique because it combines calcium and magnesium derivatives with butyric acid, which may offer benefits not seen in other treatments. While magnesium has been studied for its bioavailability and potential neuroprotective effects, the combination with butyric acid in this drug could provide a novel approach to addressing symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome.26789
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Ca-Mg Butyrate for Gulf War Syndrome?
There is some evidence that magnesium, a component of Ca-Mg Butyrate, may help with asthma symptoms, as seen in studies where magnesium improved symptom scores in asthma patients. Additionally, magnesium has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, which suggests it might have potential benefits for other conditions involving inflammation or immune response.34101112
Who Is on the Research Team?
Saurabh Chatterjee, PhD
Principal Investigator
VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Gulf War era veterans aged between 40 and 70 who suffer from moderate to severe GWI, as defined by CDC and Kansas criteria. Participants must score less than 30 on the VSF36 physical domain, with no other health conditions that could explain their symptoms.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive microencapsulated butyrate capsules (600 mg twice a day) or placebo for 18 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ca-Mg Butyrate
- Placebo
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
Miami VA Healthcare System
Collaborator
VA Salt Lake City Health Care System
Collaborator