Intermittent Fasting for Crohn's Disease

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen bySidhartha R Sinha, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Stanford University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this study is to see how an Intermittent Calorie Reduced Diet (IRCD) that mimics fasting effects inflammation in patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease (CD). The diet may allow users to receive the benefits of fasting while also being able to enjoy food (the ingredients of which are GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research on dietary interventions and CD are very limited. Diets that mimick fasting have been studied with support of the National Institute of Health and published in leading journals. This research investigates whether markers of inflammation decrease and/or quality of life increases after five-day periods of the IRCD, and may provide rationale for its use to treat CD.

Eligibility Criteria

Adults aged 18-70 with mild to moderate Crohn's disease can join this trial. It's not for those allergic to nuts, severely weakened by illness or medical procedures, with severe heart issues, pregnant/nursing women, or anyone on a calorie-restricted diet. People who've had certain gastrointestinal surgeries or have serious conditions like diabetes at risk of hypoglycemia are also excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

My Crohn's disease is in the mild to moderate stage.

I am between 18 and 70 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have severe heart disease, such as bad heart failure or a weak heart pump.

I am severely weakened by a disease or medical procedure.

I am not pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.

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Participant Groups

The study tests an Intermittent Reduced Calorie Diet (IRCD) that mimics fasting and is safe according to the FDA. The goal is to see if IRCD reduces inflammation and improves life quality in Crohn's disease patients over five-day periods.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Intervention ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Three cycles of a 5-day Intermittent Reduced Calorie Diet

Group II: Control ArmActive Control1 Intervention

Regular Diet