Comparing three diets for people with inflammatory bowel disease

Understanding Patient's Barriers and Perceived Benefits Through Adherence to Nutritional Interventions in IBD: a Preliminary Study.

Not applicable Interventional McMaster University · NCT06773182

This study will try intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and a low FODMAP diet to see how they affect adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations3 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06773182 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with IBD will be asked to follow one of three dietary interventions (intermittent fasting, Mediterranean diet, or low FODMAP diet) with support from a registered dietitian and study app. The study will track how well participants can stick to the assigned eating plan and collect symptom and quality-of-life information. Researchers will identify barriers and facilitators to adherence and ask participants about perceived benefits. The goal is to generate practical, patient-centered guidance on which dietary approaches are sustainable and helpful for people with IBD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease who can provide consent, are willing to try an intervention diet, and can use a personal smartphone to access the study app are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant or who have diabetes, advanced chronic kidney disease, short bowel syndrome, active eating disorders, are undergoing chemotherapy, or have acute psychosis or severe psychiatric illness are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify dietary plans that reduce IBD symptoms and improve quality of life while being easier for patients to follow.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research and observational data suggest Mediterranean and low FODMAP approaches can help some people with IBD, while intermittent fasting has been less well studied and overall evidence is mixed.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (18+ years) diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
* Having willingness to use their personal smartphone to access the app
* Able to understand the indication by the registered dietitian.
* Able to provide informed consent.
* Willingness to attempt intervention diet and commit to study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women.
* Currently being treated for eating disorders, schizophrenia, psychosis, or other acute mental disorders.
* Currently being treated for chemotherapy.
* Diabetes
* Advance chronic kidney disease
* Short bowl syndrome

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions IBDUlcerative ColitisCrohn DiseaseLow FODMAP DietMediterranean dietIntermittent fastingUlcerative colitisCrohn&#39
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.