Prevention of Diverticulitis by Taking a Daily Probiotic

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SURREY · May 31, 2012

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Because dietary fibre, obesity and diabetes are all confounding factors that influence the frequency and severity of attacks of diverticulitis, the research project will take account of this by:

1. Monitoring dietary fibre using a diet diary
2. Measurement of height and weight to determine BMI
3. Screening for undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes

As well as keeping a diet diary, subjects will be asked to keep a general health diary, and to complete gut health questionnaires at start, 6 months and 12 months.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. A history of two episodes of UAD treated with antibiotics in the last five years.
• • 2. Diverticulosis confirmed by colonoscopy, barium enema, USS, CT or MRI imaging or at surgery.
• • 3. Agreement to consume one bottle of Yakult daily for 12 months
• • 4. Availability of space in the domestic refrigerator for storage of Yakult units
• • 5. Able to access depot (local primary care premises or chemist) to collect regular supplies of Yakult
• • 6. Able to cope with keeping a diary etc.
• • 7. Willing to take Yakult supplies and a cold bag on holiday to ensure as near as possible continuous daily doses (certainly never more than one week break as Lactobacilli casei will persist in the human gut for at least one week
• • 8. Capable of giving informed consent
• • 9. Aged ≥ 50 and ≤ 75 years at commencement of trial.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Recent history of peptic ulcer
• • 2. Chronic renal insufficiency
• • 3. Ongoing or past major diverticulitis complications
• • 4. Any serious debilitating illness (cancers, cardiovascular disease etc. but not DM)
• • 5. Dementias or memory problems
• • 6. Regular probiotic consumption over the past year.
• • 7. Undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or treatment
• • 8. Lactose intolerance or intolerance to dairy products
• • 9. Immunosuppressed patients