Dietary fiber and soy protein effects on gut bacteria to prevent IBD
Dietary fiber and soy protein-based microbiome metabolites for IBD prevention
Testing whether adding dietary fiber and soy protein can change gut bacteria and their products to help people with or at risk for inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mice colonized with a defined set of human gut bacteria to see how dietary fiber and soy protein change bacterial metabolites and the mucus lining that protects the colon. Researchers look at what happens when fiber is lacking and bacteria begin to eat the mucus, allowing harmful bacteria to cause inflammation. They also use mice with an immune defect linked to human IBD to mimic genetic risk and observe whether diet can prevent spontaneous inflammation. The team aims to translate these findings into possible diet-based prevention or supplement strategies for people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease, those at higher risk because of family history or known genetic factors, or anyone interested in diet-based prevention approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced disease needing urgent surgery or whose condition is driven by causes unlikely to respond to diet-based changes may not gain benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to dietary changes or supplements that strengthen the gut barrier and lower IBD risk or flare-ups.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that fiber protects the mucus layer and reduces inflammation, but human trials of fiber or prebiotic approaches in IBD have had mixed results and translation to people remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martens, Eric C — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Martens, Eric C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.