Exploring Mechanism of Action of Dietary Fibre on the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN · Jun 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how dietary fiber, specifically two types called psyllium and inulin, affects the gut bacteria and other substances in healthy older adults. The goal is to understand if adding dietary fiber could help improve gut health, which is important, especially for cancer patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy who often experience side effects like diarrhea. Researchers believe that if dietary fiber can show positive effects in humans, it could lead to better treatment options for these patients.

To participate in this study, you need to be over 60 years old and meet certain health criteria, such as not having any serious food allergies or specific medical conditions like diabetes. If you join, you will try different combinations of dietary fibers or a placebo (which looks like the fiber but has no active ingredients) over a few weeks. The study will also look at samples from your stool to see how your gut bacteria respond to the dietary changes. This research could help identify which people benefit most from dietary fiber, paving the way for improved dietary recommendations in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • \>60 years old
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Medication exclusion criteria:
• • Oral antibiotic use (within the past 3 months due to impact on gut microbiota).
• • Anti-coagulants (Warfarin).
• • Carbamazepine (epilepsy)
• • Digoxin (heart conditions)
• • Mesalazine (gut problems)
• • Regular use of anti-constipation medication/laxatives.
• Medical exclusion criteria:
• • Food allergies, self-reported food sensitivity or intolerance.
• • Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
• • Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
• • Metformin intake.
• • Bowel obstruction
• • Muscle weakness of the bowel
• • Phenylketonuria.
• Other exclusion criteria:
• • Anyone with unsuitable veins for blood sampling.
• • Anyone with chronic constipation (\>3 days without defaecation).
• • Anyone who is unable to fluently speak, read and understand English.