The overall hypothesis of this research study is that gluten intake alters intestinal barrier function in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) diarrhea who also exhibit non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).
The specific aim of this hypothesis-generating, pilot study is to randomize (like the flip of a coin) patients who have Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity to a 4-week Gluten-containing diet (GCD) or to a Gluten free diet (GFD). The study will evaluate small bowel (SB) permeability functionally (2-sugar differential excretion), morphologically, using probe-based confocal laser to evaluate the small intestinal, as well as molecularly, using tight junction (TJ) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in small bowel mucosa in response to the different diets.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
20
Assessment of current diet and amount of gluten consumed will be determined by the dietitian and by means of a questionnaire at baseline. Subjects will have a 2-week run in period, in which they will continue or initiate a gluten free diet plan prepared by the dietitians. After the run-in period, participants will be randomized to either a gluten containing diet (GCD) or placebo (GFD) for 4 weeks.
A total of 24 patients with NCGS and 12 healthy controls will be recruited for this study. The 24 patients with NCGS will be randomized to receive one of two diets (GFD or GCD) in a 1:1 ratio Assessment of current diet and amount of gluten consumed will be determined by the dietitian and by means of a questionnaire at baseline. Subjects will have a 2-week run in period, in which they will continue or initiate a gluten free diet plan prepared by the dietitians. After the run-in period, participants will be randomized to either a gluten containing diet (GCD) or placebo (GFD) for 4 weeks.
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Change in permeability of the small intestine after treatment
Time frame: Baseline to 4 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.