Understanding (Poly)Phenol Metabolism in People With an Ileostomy
This study aims to understand how our bodies process natural compounds called (poly)phenols, found in many plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables. These compounds are thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues. Normally, gut bacteria play a big role in breaking them down, making it hard to know exactly how much the body absorbs. By studying people with an ileostomy, where the colon is bypassed, we can get a clearer picture of how much of these compounds are absorbed directly in the small intestine. Participants will take capsules containing these plant compounds. This research could help us better understand how what we eat affects our individual health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, and chocolate contain natural compounds called (poly)phenols. These compounds are thought to be good for our health, potentially helping to lower the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. However, everyone's body is different in how it handles these compounds.
Usually, when you eat (poly)phenols, most of them travel to your large intestine (colon), where bacteria living there break them down. This process makes it tricky for scientists to figure out exactly how much of these helpful compounds your body absorbs and uses, and which parts of them are truly active.
This study focuses on people who have an ileostomy. This means their large intestine has been bypassed, and waste leaves the body through a stoma. For researchers, this offers a unique chance to see how (poly)phenols are absorbed before they reach the large intestine and its bacteria. By understanding this process better, we hope to learn more about how these important dietary compounds work and why some people respond differently to them than others. This knowledge could help improve advice on healthy eating in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study explores how our bodies use healthy compounds from plants.
- It specifically looks at how these compounds are absorbed in people with an ileostomy.
- The goal is to better understand how diet affects individual health.
- Participants will take capsules and attend clinic visits.
- It's important to meet specific health and lifestyle criteria to join.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 75 years old and currently living with an ileostomy. Your ileostomy must have been in place for at least one year. You should also be a non-smoker, including not using e-cigarettes or vapes.
We are looking for people with a healthy body weight (BMI between 18 and 28). You should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. It's also important that you haven't taken antibiotics in the last three months and haven't used any plant-based food supplements in the two weeks before the study starts. You should also be generally active and able to attend appointments, and not be taking part in other medical studies currently or in the last three months.
This study is not suitable for you if you've had your ileostomy for less than a year, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or smoke. People who are taking antibiotics, using certain supplements, or are unable to travel for appointments also cannot join. If you've recently participated in another study, you'd need to wait three months before being eligible for this one.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
- Do you currently have an ileostomy that was formed over a year ago?
- Are you a non-smoker (including vaping)?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Have you avoided antibiotics in the last 3 months and plant-based supplements in the last 2 weeks?
- Are you able to travel to appointments?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be asked to take special capsules containing natural plant compounds (poly)phenols. The researchers will then collect samples to see how your body processes these compounds. This will involve some visits to the research clinic for assessments, but the exact number and type of visits aren't specified here. You'll need to follow specific instructions about what you can and cannot eat or take before and during the study period, particularly regarding supplements and antibiotics. The total length of your participation is not detailed but would be explained by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Ulster University, Human Intervention Studies Unit, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT521SAVerified postcodeColeraine, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What are (poly)phenols?
(Poly)phenols are natural compounds found in many plant foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, and cocoa. They are thought to have health benefits.
Why are you studying people with an ileostomy?
An ileostomy helps us understand how the small intestine absorbs these compounds before bacteria in the large intestine break them down, giving us clearer information.
Will I get paid to take part?
Information about payment or reimbursement for travel costs would be provided by the study team if you are eligible and interested.
What kind of capsules will I be taking?
You'll be taking capsules that contain natural plant compounds, similar to those found in healthy foods. The study team will give you more details.
How long will I be in the study?
The duration of the study for each participant isn't specified here, but the research team will explain the full timeline during your initial discussion.
How to find out more
Chris IR Gill, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.