Effect of High-fiber Supplement in Multiple Sclerosis

Our collaborator, Dr. Liping Zhao, developed a high-fiber supplement (HFS), NBT-NM108. His recent study has suggested an association between intake of NBT-NM108 and increased abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing gut bacteria. Recent studies have suggested that Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is associated with gut dysbiosis, alteration of gut bacteria, and decreased production of SCFAs. Therefore, we have investigated the effect of NBT-NM108 on RRMS-associated gut dysbiosis and the cytokines produced by immune cells. Seven patients were enrolled, and their stool samples were collected before the treatment with NBT-NM108 (Baseline). Three patients from the enrolled patients consumed NBT-NM108 three times a day at 60 g/day for 8 weeks. Two patients further consumed NBT-NM108 for four more weeks (a total of 12 weeks). Stool and blood samples were collected at 3 time points (baseline, 8 weeks post-NBT-NM108, and 12 weeks post-NBT-NM108). We have investigated the effect of NBT-NM108 on gut microbiota and immune parameters involved in MS.