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.

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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