Diet modification based on mucosal reactions in functional dyspepsia

Targeted Elimination Diet in FD Patients Following Identification of Trigger Nutrients Using Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy

Not applicable Interventional Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT05666154

This study is testing whether a special diet that avoids certain foods can help people with functional dyspepsia feel better by looking at how their stomach reacts to different nutrients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment65 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven)
Trial IDNCT05666154 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of a targeted diet on patients with functional dyspepsia by using confocal laser endomicroscopy to observe mucosal reactions to different nutrients. After a baseline assessment, patients will be exposed to various nutrients, and those who show acute mucosal reactions will follow a diet excluding the triggering nutrient for four weeks. The study employs a randomized, blinded crossover design to compare the effects of the real diet against a sham diet. The goal is to understand the symptomatic response to dietary changes and the underlying mechanisms of mucosal reactions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 diagnosed with functional dyspepsia according to Rome IV criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of major gastrointestinal surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to personalized dietary recommendations that alleviate symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

How similar studies have performed: While similar dietary interventions have been explored, this specific approach using confocal laser endomicroscopy is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-70 y/o (70 years included)
* Male or female subjects
* FD (PDS, EPS or overlap) according to Rome IV criteria
* Provide written informed consent to participate in the study
* Women of child-bearing potential agree to apply a highly effective method of birth control during the entire duration of the trial. Highly effective birth control is defined as those which result in a low failure rate (i.e., less than 1% per year) when used constantly and correctly such as implants, injectables, combined oral contraceptive method, or some intrauterine devices (IUDs), sexual abstinence, or vasectomized partner. Women of non-childbearing potential may be included if surgically sterile (tubal ligation or hysterectomy) or postmenopausal with at least 2 year without spontaneous menses.
* Subjects who are capable to understand the study and the questionnaires, and to comply with the study requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* History of major surgery of the gastrointestinal tract (cholecystectomy and uncomplicated appendectomy are allowed)
* Symptoms predominantly associated with irritable bowel syndrome or gastro-esophageal reflux disease
* IgE-mediated food allergies identified by immunocaps blood tests
* Known underlying organic gastrointestinal disease
* Current use of NSAIDs, proton-pump inhibitors, systemic histamine-receptor antagonists, mast cell stabilizers, corticosteroids, opioids (need to be stopped at least 2 weeks). Use of antibiotics in the past 6 weeks.
* Allergy to Fluorescein or Propofol
* Known celiac disease
* Following a diet, interfering with the study diet in opinion to the investigators

Where this trial is running

Leuven

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 Functional Dyspepsia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.