Vitamin D and the intestinal microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vitamin D and the intestinal microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease
IRAS ID
163497
Contact name
Ailsa Hart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 22 days
Research summary
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term which refers to two main conditions, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These are long term debilitating conditions which cause inflammation or ‘sores’ in the bowel, and therefore cause diarrhoea, passage of blood, abdominal pain and other symptoms. Current therapies are not effective in all patients. Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is common in patients with IBD. VD plays an important role in bone health, and studies suggest that VD may have a role in reducing inflammation in the intestine. The types of bacteria in the gut (microbiome) have also been shown to play an important role in starting and continuing inflammation in IBD.
This pilot observational study aims to evaluate change in bacteria and intestinal inflammation as measured by a stool test (calprotectin) during treatment of vitamin D deficiency - according to London North West London Healthcare (LNWH) NHS Trust guidelines - in (1) patients with IBD and (2) other patients without IBD at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
The hypothesis is that VD supplementation according to LNWH NHS Trust guidelines reduces the number of bacteria that cause inflammation, and increase numbers of bacteria that may reduce inflammation.
10 non-IBD patients, 10 patients with inactive IBD, and 10 patients with mild-moderate chronically active IBD despite conventional therapy, planned to undergo treatment for vitamin D deficiency, as prescribed by their treating physician, will be invited to participate. Medical and dietary history and IBD symptoms will be recorded. In addition, patients will be invited to submit a stool specimen for analysis of faecal calprotectin (a marker of inflammation) and particular types of bacteria (microbiome).
Primary endpoint:
• Change in number and type of bacteria (‘phylotype richness and similarity’) from month 0 to 4.Secondary endpoints:
• Change in stool inflammatory markers;
• Change in IBD symptoms.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/2032
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion