Carrageenan shortens interval to relapse in ulcerative colitis
What is it about?
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clinical trial to assess if patients with ulcerative colitis in remission would have a longer interval to relapse if they followed a diet with no carrageenan. All participants were instructed in the no-carrageenan diet and were randomized to either placebo capsules or carrageenan containing capsules. The carrageenan in the capsules was less than the average daily carrageenan intake from the diet. Participants were followed by telephone calls every two weeks until relapse or one year of participation. The occurrence of relapse and inflammatory biomarkers were compared between the two groups. Three patients who received carrageenan-containing capsules relapsed, and none of the patients who received placebo-containing capsules relapsed (p = 0.046, log-rank test). Laboratory tests showed increases in Interleukin-6 (p = 0.02, paired t-test, two-tailed) and fecal calprotectin (p = 0.06; paired t-test, two-tailed).
Why is it important?
A no-carrageenan diet may benefit patients with ulcerative colitis and help to prevent relapse.