How processed diets and gut bacteria affect inflammatory bowel disease
Official title: Interplay of processed diet, gut microbiota, and interferon-linked mucosal immunity in the onset and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11083565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating a lot of processed foods might affect gut bacteria and the immune system, which could increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it aims to find ways to improve diets to help prevent or reduce IBD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $456,472 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133334-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or currently suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those with dietary habits high in processed foods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume processed diets or those with other unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between processed diets, gut microbiota, and the immune response in the intestines, particularly focusing on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It aims to understand how a diet high in ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of IBD by affecting gut bacteria and immune function. The study will explore the mechanisms behind these effects and seek to develop dietary interventions that could help reduce the onset and prevalence of IBD. By using animal models, researchers will examine changes in gut bacteria and immune responses related to diet.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help prevent or manage inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary factors significantly influence gut health and inflammation, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Vishal — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Singh, Vishal
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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.