Immunonutrition in Ulcerative Colitis

Impact of Immunonutrition Supplementation Combining Fermentable Fiber, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Zinc on Intestinal Inflammation, Gut Microbial Activity, and Severity of Symptoms in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

This study tests the hypothesis that a supplement that combines a functional fiber, long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin D3, vitamin E, and zinc will reduce clinical symptoms, decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood and ergo decrease inflammation, promote beneficial microbial activity in the colon, and help recovery of the intestinal mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients compared with a placebo.

An anticipated 30 participants with newly diagnosed active ulcerative colitis will be recruited to participate in a randomized control trial, with 50% of the subjects distributed to the supplement (n=15) and the other 50% provided a placebo control (n=15). This is considered as a "proof of concept" study to determine if there is evidence that a multi-ingredient supplement (immunonutrition) will reduce UC disease severity.

active supplement consisting of a fermentable fiber, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, vitamin D3, vitamin E, and zinc

SCFA will be isolated from stool sample. SCFAs are anti-inflammatory components generated in the colon. The SCFAs looked at include acetate, lactate, propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate.

Many with Ulcerative colitis can experience 10+ bowel movements per day. This intervention is aiming to reduce the total number of bowel movements per day

Many with ulcerative colitis experience constant intestinal cramping. This intervention is geared towards reducing pain and discomfort for the participants

Inclusion Criteria: patients with active ulcerative colitis (proof of diagnosis from gastroenterologist), over 18 years old, has over 50% gut remaining, fully connected bowels (no colostomy), currently on 5-aminosalicylates (ASA) drugs, not pregnant or lactating Exclusion Criteria: -

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