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Fasting-mimicking Diet in Treatment of Depressive Symptoms in IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases | Crohn Disease | Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic illness characterized by inflammation of the intestine. Many individuals with IBD suffer from depressive symptoms and anxiety which can lead to a decreased quality of life, poor treatment compliance, and higher morbidity and mortality. The object of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of a fasting mimicking diet in IBD patients who are suffering with symptoms of depression. Participants will carry out 3 cycles of a 5-day period of a plant-based low caloric diet or a plant-based caloric sufficient diet following by 3 weeks of eating normally. Effects of the dietary intervention on microbes in the gut, immune and metabolic function, and depressive symptoms will be measured. The overall goal is to develop a safe and effective treatment to improve mental health in patients with IBD by targeting the gut microbiome through dietary interventions.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 to 65

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 65 years at the time of screening
* Diagnosis of Crohn's disease in clinical remission or with mild-moderate disease with Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI\<8) or diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in clinical remission with partial Mayo (pMayo\<7)
* Suffering from mild-moderate depression with PHQ-9 ≥5 and ≤ 19

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects who are reliant on partial or total parenteral nutrition
* Subjects with prior gastrointestinal surgery and consequences such as short bowel syndrome, ostomy of small or large intestine, total colectomy, proctocolectomy, or ileoanal pouch
* Subjects with diabetes or celiac disease
* Subjects with a body mass index (BMI) lower than 18
* Subjects suffering from malnutrition or at high risk of malnutrition assessed by a score of ≥6 on the abridged patient generated subjective global assessment (PGSGA)
* Subjects allergic to nuts
* Subjects currently on a fasting/intermittent type caloric restricted diet
* History of psychotic or bipolar disorders or experiencing suicidal thoughts
* Pregnant women, women who are breast feeding, or women planning on becoming pregnant
* Subjects with immune-compromised condition other than inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. AIDS, lymphoma)
* Subjects with severe uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory disease or active malignancy
* Unable to read English or provide informed consent

Study Location

University of Alberta Human Nutrition Research Unit
University of Alberta Human Nutrition Research Unit
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Karen Madsen, PhD

University of Alberta Hospital
University of Alberta Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Karen Madsen, PhD

Study Sponsored By
University of Alberta
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT05382897