Dietary Therapy for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests two special diets to help people with active Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. One diet is a liquid nutrient formula, and the other limits certain carbs. The goal is to see if these diets can improve gut health and reduce symptoms.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that any medications you are currently using for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) must remain stable during the study, except for corticosteroids, which can be tapered off. This means you generally won't have to stop your current medications, but you should discuss any specific concerns with the study team.
Is the dietary therapy for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis safe for humans?
How does the elemental diet treatment for Crohn's disease differ from other treatments?
The elemental diet is unique because it provides nutrition in a simple, easily digestible form that reduces stress on the digestive system, potentially altering gut bacteria and reducing inflammation without the use of drugs. It is as effective as corticosteroids in inducing remission but is cheaper, simpler, and safer, and can be followed by a personalized food exclusion diet for long-term management.16789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Elemental diet, Specific carbohydrate diet for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
Research shows that the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) can help control symptoms in people with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, although it may not fully reduce inflammation. Some studies found that children with Crohn's Disease experienced symptom relief on this diet, but it didn't completely heal the gut lining.1011121314
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with active Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis confirmed by recent colonoscopy can join. They must have a certain level of disease activity and be on stable IBD medication, except for decreasing steroids. Excluded are those with stomas, J pouches, recent bowel surgery, chronic narcotic use for pain, recent antibiotic or enteral diet use, pregnancy/breastfeeding women, celiac disease sufferers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants adhere to a dietary therapy for 6 weeks, either a partial elemental diet or a specific carbohydrate diet
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for clinical, biochemical, nutritional, and microbiological parameters after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Elemental diet
- Specific carbohydrate diet
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor