Resistant Starch for Crohn's Disease

(PROMOTE Trial)

This trial aims to determine if a special type of plant starch, known as Resistant Starch, can improve gut health in children with Crohn's Disease. The researchers seek to discover if this starch can increase certain beneficial bacteria that produce butyrate, a substance that supports gut health. Participants will consume either this resistant starch or a placebo (a look-alike with no active ingredient) daily for 48 weeks. Children with Crohn's Disease affecting specific gut areas and who are already on certain medications may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance gut health in children with Crohn's Disease.

The trial requires participants to be on infliximab or adalimumab for Crohn's Disease and not to change their medical treatment for at least a month before and during the trial. So, you will need to continue your current medication if it's one of these.

Research has shown that resistant starch is generally safe for consumption. Studies have found it can improve gut health by reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Animal research also suggests it might aid in healing the gut lining.

In one study, consuming about 5 grams of resistant starch daily eased stomach issues over several weeks, with no serious side effects. Another study found that resistant potato starch could lower histamine levels in the blood, potentially helping with some allergies, without affecting the enzymes that break down histamine.

Unlike the standard treatments for Crohn's disease, which often include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics, resistant starch offers a unique approach by promoting gut health through dietary modification. Researchers are excited about resistant starch because it acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and potentially reducing inflammation from the inside out. This method is non-invasive and based on optimizing the microbiome, which could lead to fewer side effects and a more natural way to manage the condition over time.

Research has shown that resistant starch, which participants in this trial may receive, can aid people with Crohn's disease by enhancing gut health. Studies have found that it reduces gut damage, a sign of inflammation. Resistant starch also alters gut bacteria, increasing those that produce butyrate, a substance that supports gut health. It can also alleviate unusual bowel symptoms, common in Crohn's disease. These benefits make resistant starch a promising option for managing symptoms.¹²⁵⁶⁷