Ergothioneine supplementation in people with metabolic syndrome (ErgMS): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

Researchers planned a small study of adults with metabolic syndrome, a combination of problems such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy blood-fat levels. Participants would take either ergothioneine, a naturally occurring compound found in some foods, or a placebo, a dummy pill with no active ingredient. The assignment would be random, and neither participants nor researchers would know who received which pill until the study ended. This paper describes the study plan, so it does not report what happened or whether the supplement worked.

What this means for you: This study does not provide evidence that you should buy or take ergothioneine. Results from the planned trial are needed before it can show whether the supplement helps people with metabolic syndrome.