The goal of this clinical trial was to learn whether Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation improves disease activity, physical function, and inflammatory markers in adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. The main questions it aimed to answer were:
Does Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation reduce disease activity and improve physical function, as measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI)? Does Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)? Researchers compared Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation with a placebo (an identical capsule containing no active ingredient) to determine whether probiotic supplementation provides additional benefits in adults with active ankylosing spondylitis.
Participants:
Took one capsule containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (6 × 10⁹ colony-forming units) or an identical placebo capsule once daily immediately after a meal for 8 weeks.
Continued their existing pharmacological treatment without changes during the study.
Attended study visits at baseline and every 15 days during the 8-week study period.
Had disease activity, physical function, CRP, and ESR assessed at baseline and at the end of week 8.
Had dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and body composition assessed during the study.