The effects of fermentable dietary fibre supplementation on intestinal permeability and inflammation in microscopic colitis

The human gastrointestinal tract harbours over 1000 microbial species which together form a complex ecosystem that impacts host health and metabolism via secretion of biologically active compounds. Studies have shown alterations in the composition of intestinal microbiota in microscopic colitis patients compared to healthy individuals. Certain dietary fibres can improve symptoms of IBD but the underlying mechanisms for this effect remain unknown. One possible mechanism could be dietary fibres’ ability to promote the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria. Butyrate is not only an important energy source for colonic cells, but it also strengthens the intestinal barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties.

This study aims to examine the effect of butyrate-promoting dietary fibre on intestinal barrier function in patients with microscopic colitis.