The Effect of Probiotic and Prebiotic Supplementation on Gastrointestinal Health in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 50 participants with chronic spinal cord injury to test the effect of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on bowel health. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to first take either a probiotic supplement daily for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week wash-out period and then a prebiotic supplement for another 8 weeks, or vice versa. Probiotic supplements contain live bacteria that may influence the balance of microorganisms in the gut. Prebiotic supplements are a type of fiber that can serve as a food source for certain gut bacteria and may play a role in digestive processes. Final testing of bowel health will be performed after 20 weeks.