Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Genetic Carbohydrate Maldigestion As Model to Study Food Hypersensitivity Mechanism (WORK PACKAGE 2)

Many people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) find that certain foods, especially carbohydrates, can make their symptoms worse. This study is investigating a genetic condition called Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency, where people have difficulty digesting some sugars. By studying individuals with this genetic difference, researchers hope to better understand why some people experience tummy troubles after eating certain foods, even if they don't have a specific diagnosed disease like IBS. The aim is to find out more about how these food sensitivities work at a basic level, which could lead to better ways of managing symptoms for many people in the future. Participants will undergo tests like MRI scans and breath tests after a sugar challenge.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency

What is this study about?

Imagine your digestive system is like a finely tuned machine, breaking down the food you eat. For many people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), this machine doesn't always work smoothly, leading to symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea. We know that certain foods, particularly those rich in carbohydrates, can trigger these symptoms for a lot of people, and avoiding them often helps. One common approach is a low-FODMAP diet, which reduces certain types of sugars.

This study is looking deeper into why this happens. We're focusing on a specific genetic difference linked to a problem digesting carbohydrates, called Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID). People with this condition have trouble breaking down certain sugars found in food. By studying how their bodies react to a sugar challenge, we hope to learn more about the link between not fully digesting carbohydrates and gut symptoms. Think of it as a way to understand the 'how' and 'why' behind food sensitivities that many people experience.

The main goal is to understand the exact ways in which these genetic differences lead to gut symptoms. We'll compare people with this genetic trait to those without it, using special tests like MRI scans and breath tests, especially after they consume a sugary drink. The knowledge we gain from this research could be really important. It might help us develop more tailored and effective dietary advice or treatments for people with IBS-like symptoms in the future, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Key takeaways

The study explores why some foods cause gut symptoms, especially in IBS.
It focuses on a genetic condition affecting sugar digestion called CSID.
Participation involves questionnaires, samples, MRI, and a breath test after a sugar drink.
The research aims to improve understanding and treatment for food sensitivities.
You can withdraw at any time if you decide to take part.

Who may be eligible?

If you're thinking of joining this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. We're particularly looking for people who have been diagnosed with a specific genetic condition called Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) through genetic testing. If you have CSID, we'll also need to check that other conditions like Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, or microscopic colitis have been ruled out by previous tests.

We are also looking for healthy volunteers, again aged 18 or over. For healthy volunteers, we'll be checking that you don't have IBS symptoms and that you either don't have the specific genetic difference we're studying, or that you have one or two copies of it. This helps us compare different groups. For both groups, we'd need to make sure you're not taking certain medications that affect gut movement or have had significant bowel surgery (like removing part of your bowel, but not your appendix or gallbladder).

There are also some general reasons why someone might not be able to join, such as having certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, or if you've recently taken part in another research study that involved a treatment. We also need to confirm that you can have an MRI scan safely.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a genetically proven diagnosis of Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)? (If not, are you a healthy volunteer without IBS?)
Have other gut conditions like Crohn's or coeliac disease been ruled out if you have CSID?
Can you safely have an MRI scan?
Are you not currently taking medications that significantly affect bowel movements?
Have you avoided participating in other interventional research studies in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires about your health and diet. You'll also provide some samples, including blood, stool (poo), and saliva (spit). A key part of the study involves a special test where you'll drink a sugary solution (a 'sucrose challenge'). Before and after this, you'll have an MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your insides without using radiation. You'll also have a breath test, which helps us understand how well your body is digesting sugars.

We anticipate that your involvement would require a few visits to the study centre, and each visit might take several hours. The exact number and length of visits will be fully explained to you before you agree to take part. There are no medications to take as part of this study, beyond the sugary drink mentioned. You won't need any long-term follow-up once your study visits are complete. The team will provide a detailed schedule and explain everything clearly.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer personal benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of how your body processes carbohydrates, especially if you have Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency or if you experience IBS-like symptoms. More broadly, your participation will help researchers learn more about why certain foods trigger gut symptoms, potentially leading to better dietary advice or treatments for many people in the future. Any procedures, like MRI scans, have very small risks, which the study team will discuss with you in detail. There might also be some mild, temporary discomfort from the sugar challenge or providing samples. It's important to remember that you are a volunteer and can choose to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common gut condition causing symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, without a clear underlying disease.

What is Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)?

CSID is a genetic condition where your body has trouble digesting certain sugars (sucrose and isomaltose) found in foods.

What is a 'sucrose challenge'?

This involves drinking a sugary solution so researchers can observe how your body processes it and how it affects your gut.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study doesn't involve new medications, but you will drink a sugary solution as part of the challenge.

How long will my involvement last?

Your involvement will include a few visits to the study centre, and the team will explain the full schedule before you decide to join.

How to find out more

Maura Corsetti, Medical Doctor

maura.corsetti@nottingham.ac.uk +447976448821 Official trial record

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