Monitoring bowel movements in relation to diet
The Bowel Movement Monitoring (BoMoMo) Study: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Intake of Unrefined, Intact Plant Foods and Faecal Output
This study is trying to see how different foods affect bowel movements by having participants track what they eat and how their stools look over five days.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Leeds Beckett University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leeds) |
| Trial ID | NCT06459661 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the relationship between dietary intake and bowel movements by having participants record their food consumption and analyze their stool characteristics over a five-day period. Participants will weigh, characterize, and photograph their stools while maintaining a detailed food diary. The goal is to develop a chart that helps individuals assess their dietary health based on their stool output, similar to existing hydration charts. This research seeks to fill the gap in understanding how whole foods affect bowel health compared to isolated dietary fibers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-60 who have a regular stool frequency and can attend in-person sessions at designated campuses.
Not a fit: Patients with food allergies, bowel diseases, or those currently dieting for weight loss may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide individuals with a practical tool to assess their dietary habits and improve their overall health.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated the importance of diet in bowel health, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18-60 years. * Healthy as determined from self-reported medical history or when no relevant medical condition exists. * Stool frequency of 3 to 21 times per week. * Able to attend a session in person at City Campus or Headingley Campus, Leeds Beckett University, or City Campus, Sheffield Hallam University. * For women: Use of contraceptive methods or not planning to become pregnant for the duration of the study. * Able to understand and be willing to sign the informed consent form, and to follow all the study procedures and requirements. Exclusion Criteria: * Food allergy or intolerance * Currently dieting to lose weight * For women: Pregnancy, lactation * Bowel disease * Use of medicine causing constipation * Abnormal gastro-intestinal (gut) function or structure such as malformation, angiodysplasia or active peptic ulcer * History of gastro-intestinal surgery with permanent effect (e.g., surgical treatment of obesity) * Active inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, chronic pancreatitis, or other disorder potentially causing malabsorption * Currently experiencing or been diagnosed with gastro-intestinal symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain/cramps, heartburn, stomach acid/reflux, nausea, vomiting, abdominal rumbling, bloating, belching, excess gas/wind) * Active constipation (i.e., currently constipated). * Active Irritable Bowel Syndrome * Currently experiencing disordered eating * Current use of laxatives * Current use or within the previous 3 months use of prescription or over-the-counter medication that has the potential of affecting gut bacteria including food supplements (specific medications will be assessed on an individual basis). * Use of antibiotics or pain medication containing opiates or morphine currently or within the previous 3 months. * Use of opioid drugs of abuse (e.g., heroin, fentanyl) currently or within the previous 3 months. * Consumption of more than 21 units of alcohol per week (men)/ more than 14 unit of alcohol per week (women). * Malignancy/cancer which is currently active or in remission for less than 2 years after treatment. * Currently experiencing a psychiatric disorder or a condition related with your mental health that impacts on your daily life (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorders). * Currently engaging in intense physical activity more than 3 times per week (assessed on an individual basis). * Presenting a psychological or linguistic incapability to sign the informed consent/ Investigator considers the subject unlikely to comply with study procedures, restrictions, and requirements. * Parallel participation in another research project which involves dietary intervention/other clinical trial.
Where this trial is running
Leeds
- Beverley O'Hara — Leeds, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.