A randomized trial of the effects of the no-carrageenan diet on ulcerative colitis disease activity
Bhattacharyya S, Shumard T, Xie H, Dodda A, Varady KA, Feferman L, et al.
Published in Nutr Healthy Aging, Vol. 4 (2), pp. 181-192
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial in adults with ulcerative colitis in remission. All followed a no-carrageenan diet and took either carrageenan-containing capsules (less than average dietary intake) or placebo capsules, with follow-up every two weeks until relapse or one year.
Key Findings
Twelve patients completed the study questionnaires. Three on carrageenan capsules relapsed and none on placebo did (p = 0.046, log-rank). Interleukin-6 rose in the carrageenan group (p = 0.02) and faecal calprotectin tended to rise (p = 0.06), with no rise on placebo.
Conclusions
The authors concluded that carrageenan contributed to earlier relapse and that restricting dietary carrageenan may benefit people with ulcerative colitis.
Limitations
Only 12 completers and 3 relapses; group sizes are not given in the abstract; tested isolated carrageenan, not whole seaweed. A small crossover trial (Laatikainen 2023) found no short-term harm.
Supplements Studied
Carrageenan intake contributed to earlier relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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