Research Centre: University of Otago
Location: The Don Beaven Medical Research Centre, Level 2, 40 Stewart Street, Christchurch Central Christchurch
Lead Researchers: Jody Miller and Nicole Roy
HDEC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Northern B Health and Disability Ethics Committee

This study is an initial investigation into the effect of mānuka honey on symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD). Functional dyspepsia is a term for recurring symptoms of indigestion with no obvious cause. Medical treatment can be used for symptom management in FD. However, these therapies tend to have only moderate effectiveness, and long-term use is associated with side effects. Mānuka honey is often used to treat FD symptoms, however no studies have investigated how effective it is.

If mānuka honey is found to be effective in reducing symptoms of FD, it would be an attractive, safe, ‘natural’, and widely available treatment option. So if you are struggling with symptoms of dyspepsia, why not consider participating in this study?

• Participants will be compensated up to $220 in supermarket vouchers
• Participants may potentially experience improvements to their gut health. 
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with FD in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Adults aged between 18-70 years 
• Must be experiencing the following symptoms of functional dyspepsia: An Inability to finish a full meal or feeling very full after only eating a small amount. Upper abdominal pain, nausea, or excessive burping after eating. Pain or discomfort right below the ribs or in the abdomen, with no relief gained from defecation, passing gas, or eating (These symptoms may occur while fasting)
• Must be willing to avoid medications that affect dyspepsia symptoms
• Must have a BMI between 18.5 and 40
• Must not have been diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection or undertaking treatment for H.pylori infection within the past month
• Must not have had any significant dietary changes (i.e., being on a controlled diet or dietary weight loss regimen) within the past month
• Must not smoke
• Must not have lost weight (>5% of total body weight) during the last 6 months
• Must not have taken antibiotics within the past month
• Must not, on average, consume more than 21 standard alcohol drinks in a week
• Must not have an allergic reaction to honey and/or bee products
• Must be able to attend 6 study visits at the research site over approximately 8 weeks

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participation will involve providing blood and stool
• Participation will include filling out a daily diary entry
• Participation involves consuming bee products

The University of Otago
The University of Otago is a public research collegiate university based in Dunedin and Christchurch, New Zealand. Founded in 1869, Otago is New Zealand’s oldest University and one of the oldest universities in Oceania.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.