Research in to how environmental factors, diet, and the gut micro-organisms contribute to IBD flares

Cure Crohn’s Colitis has committed £125,000 to PREdiCCt : A study looking to increase understanding of how environmental factors, diet, and the gut micro-organisms influence Inflammatory Bowel Disease flare and recovery.

The research is being led by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian and aims to shed light on the everyday factors which could contribute to flare-ups in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis patients.

The study will collect data on a monthly basis from 1,500 participants from around the UK, who will be asked to complete a series of online questionnaires which gather data on eating, exercise and sleeping habits, as well as monitoring mental health by recording emotions such as stress and anxiety. Participants will also be asked to provide mouth swabs and stool samples so researchers can analyse their DNA and examine the bacteria living in their gut.

Experts will compare information from those who experience flare-ups within those two years, and those who do not, in the hope that they can identify everyday factors that may influence the onset of symptoms.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen will provide expertise in diet and nutrition plus analysis of participants' gut bacteria during the study.

Chief investigator Dr Charlie Lees said: "Patients often ask us whether there are any changes to their diet or lifestyle that would help to better manage their symptoms. We hope the findings from this study will give us the evidence base needed to provide better advice for those living with these debilitating diseases."

You can still register to take part in the study!

#IBDSuperHeroes chose to support Cure Crohn’s Colitis because 100% of your donations go to patient-centric research, aiming to improve IBD patient’s quality of life and ultimately find a cure for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. If you’d like to make a donation, allowing future investment into vital studies like this one, visit the donate page.


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