RecruitingInterventional

Study on the impact of methylcellulose and a special carbohydrate on bowel gas in people with IBS and constipation

This study explores how a common food additive, methylcellulose (MC), could help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who also experience constipation. Many people with IBS find high-fibre foods, especially those containing inulin, cause bloating and gas because their bodies can't digest them well. Inulin then gets fermented by gut bacteria, creating gas. This study will give participants two different food interventions, including MC, along with inulin, to see if MC can reduce this gas and discomfort. Researchers also want to see if regular inulin intake changes gut bacteria over time to produce less gas. The goal is to find better ways to manage IBS symptoms.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Irritable bowel syndrome

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new ways to help people who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Many people with IBS find that certain high-fibre foods cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas. This often happens because of a type of fibre called FODMAPs, particularly one called inulin, which is found in common foods like bread. Our bodies can't break down inulin, so it travels to the gut where bacteria digest it. This process can create a lot of gas, leading to bloating and tummy discomfort for those with IBS.

Researchers are investigating whether adding methylcellulose (MC) – a safe and widely used food additive – can help. MC is known to thicken foods and can also act as a mild laxative, which might help with constipation. The study aims to see if MC can reduce the amount of gas produced when someone eats inulin. They also want to understand if regularly eating inulin might, over time, change the bacteria in the gut so they produce less gas from it. This could mean a lot for people struggling with these symptoms.

By understanding how MC and inulin affect the gut, the study hopes to find whether combining them can lead to less gas and bloating, helping people with IBS-C feel better. The information gathered could help develop new food supplements that make it easier for people with IBS to get enough fibre without the uncomfortable side effects.

Key takeaways

This study investigates new ways to manage IBS with constipation.
It tests if a food additive called methylcellulose can reduce gas from certain fibres.
Participants will try different food interventions and have MRI scans.
The research aims to understand how to improve symptoms like bloating and discomfort.
Participation carries potential discomfort from inulin, but methylcellulose is widely used and safe.
The study findings could help develop better dietary approaches for IBS-C in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for adults aged 18 to 65 years who have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome that includes constipation (IBS-C). You must meet specific criteria for IBS-C to join.

Houever, you cannot take part if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Also, if you have other serious gut conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or coeliac disease, you won't be able to participate. If you've had major surgery on your stomach or intestines (excluding appendix removal) or have an intestinal stoma, you're also excluded. There are also restrictions for certain medical conditions like diabetes that might affect the study results, or if you have specific metal implants that prevent you from having an MRI scan.

You also can't join if you've recently taken antibiotics or probiotics (within the last 4 weeks), or if you plan to change important medications that affect your gut. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) also needs to be between 18.5 and 35. You'll need to be able to understand English well enough to follow all instructions.

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 65 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of IBS with constipation?
Are you *not* pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy?
Do you *not* have other serious gut conditions like Crohn's or coeliac disease?
Have you *not* taken antibiotics or probiotics in the last 4 weeks?
Do you have a BMI between 18.5 and 35?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be given two different food interventions in a random order, along with inulin. This means you'll try one combination for a period, and then the other. During the study, you will have MRI scans to measure gas in your gut. These scans will happen both before and after you've regularly consumed the inulin and test substances for three weeks. You'll also take special marker pills that help researchers track how quickly food moves through your gut, which will also be checked with MRI scans. The study will also look at samples to see if the inulin changes your gut bacteria and how your body breaks down inulin. The total duration of your involvement in the study is not specified but will involve several visits for assessments and scans.

Potential risks and benefits

While we can't promise that you will personally feel better by taking part, the information we learn from this study could be very helpful for future research. This might lead to new food supplements that could help many people with IBS-C. Methylcellulose is a common and safe food ingredient. MRI scans are safe, but they can be noisy, so you'll be given earplugs. If you have tattoos, you might feel a warm or burning sensation during the scan. Importantly, the scans are not for diagnosing medical conditions; however, if anything unusual is spotted, a specialist will review it, and with your permission, we might contact your GP. Some people may experience gas, bloating, and tummy discomfort from the inulin, and the amount you take can be adjusted if needed. All your information will be kept private, but if we hear anything that suggests you or others might be at risk, we may have to report it to the proper authorities. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre
Approximate
Nottingham, England

Common questions

What is methylcellulose?

Methylcellulose is a common and safe food additive often used as a thickener, which may also act as a mild laxative.

What is inulin?

Inulin is a type of fibre found in many foods like bread. It can cause gas and bloating in people with IBS.

Will I get paid to participate?

The information provided does not indicate any payment for participation.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside your body. It is safe, but can be noisy.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

How to find out more

Neele Dellschaft

neele.dellschaft@nottingham.ac.uk +44 (0)7783 425411 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.