The primary research focus of our lab encompasses the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We all recognize that nutrition plays a critical role in influencing whole-body biological processes, which include effects on intestinal health, the gut microbiome and inflammation. Our team is interested in better understanding these effects on an individual and population level, while also investigating nutritional strategies to attenuate gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation.
Inversely, IBD is known to dramatically affect the individual’s nutritional status. Patients with IBD often have altered dietary habits due to symptoms, malabsorption and a desire to treat inflammation. We study how IBD affects these clinical parameters to better identify risk factors, adverse outcomes and optimal methods for addressing them.
As an effort to assess the available evidence for nutritional interventions, we performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses through the Cochrane Collaboration on (1) dietary interventions for the treatment of IBD (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019;CD012839); and (2) use of probiotics for induction of remission in Crohn’s disease (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020;CD006634).
We recently published our findings on the risk of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and food avoidance among patients with IBD (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021). Key risk factors included presence of active symptoms or inflammation.
We have also written multiple articles and provided several presentations on the topic. We have an upcoming book in GI nutrition written by nutrition experts throughout the country.
In partnership with the Center for Human Nutrition, we are conducting a trial of a UCLA-designed diet for Crohn’s disease.
You may be eligible if you:
Some details:
For more information:
Study of dietary composition in Crohn's disease, IRB#20-001120 UCLA IRB Approval Date: Through 4/7/22, Committee: Medical IRB 3, PI: Li
Dr. Berkeley Limketkai, director of clinical research for the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, is conducting a research study to better understand the relationship between the diet and IBD and to help guide us on where to focus the next steps of research to provide better dietary recommendations and improve the care of IBD.
Participants must be:
Participation involves:
For more information: 855-IBD-UCLA / 855-423-8252 or [email protected]
UCLA IRB Approved IRB# 19-001299 Committee: Medical IRB 1 Approved / Expiration Date 3/17/22