Using Breath Tests to Study Gut Sulfur Changes During Dietary Therapy

What this study is about

This study aims to test whether a short liquid-based diet, followed by a low-sulfur eating plan, is safe, manageable, and helpful for people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Investigators want to see if this approach can improve gut health, lower inflammation, and reduce symptoms. Investigators will also test breath samples as an easy, non-invasive way to track gut bacteria activity and disease changes. Investigators believe this diet plan can reduce harmful gut bacteria that produce irritating sulfur compounds, leading to better gut health and measurable improvements that can be detected through breath testing.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Age 19-70 years. =Diagnosis of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, defined by a partial Mayo score (pMayo) of 2-7.
• Evidence of active inflammation at enrollment, defined as:
• C-reactive protein (CRP) > 5 mg/L; or
• Fecal calprotectin (FCP) > 200 µg/g.
• Receiving stable medical therapy for ulcerative colitis for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment.
• No corticosteroid use at the time of recruitment.
• Under consideration by the treating physician for treatment escalation or biologic switch due to inadequate response to current therapy.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Partial Mayo score (pMayo) > 7.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Body mass index (BMI) < 18 kg/m².
• History of an eating disorder.
• Severe psychiatric disorder.
• Severe medical conditions, including:
• Active cancer;
• Significant cardiovascular disease;
• Diabetes mellitus; or
• Severe food allergies.
• Known allergy or intolerance to corn, dextrose, or maltodextrin.
• Antibiotic use within 3 months prior to enrollment.
• Probiotic use within 3 months prior to enrollment.
• Use of herbal anti-inflammatory supplements during the study period, including but not limited to:
• Serrapeptidase;
• Curcumin;
• Boswellia; or
• Bromelain.
• History of major gastrointestinal surgery, including:
• Ostomy;

+ 3 more criteria — see the full checklist in the app.

Where this trial is running

• University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Who to contact

Natasha Haskey, PhD · 250-807-9597 · natasha.haskey@ubc.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07640659.