Safety of VSL#3 in Adult Asthmatics

We are proposing to test the safety of the probiotic, VSL#3, in a placebo controlled double blind safety study in 30 asthmatic adults. This adult safety trial was requested by the FDA IND review of a pediatric asthma protocol. Adults with a doctor diagnosis of persistent asthma will take VSL#3 or placebo twice daily for 3 months. Data will be collected, including age, race, height, and weight, present medications, past medical history with emphasis on signs/symptoms of asthma. On visits to the clinic we will evaluate * Changes in lung function * Intestinal permeability * Intestinal bacteria * Levels of inflammation in the blood * Women will have repeat urine pregnancy testing at each clinic visit