Olivia Kroeger
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Almo Regazi
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Internal Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology / Medicine
Program: UROP
Session: Session 1 (9:00am – 9:50am)
Authors: Olivia Kroeger, Almo Regazi, Alan Kay, Muhammed N Aslam, James Varani
Abstract
Aquamin®, a supplement containing primarily calcium and derived from red algae, is anticipated to have properties that improve GI health. The gastrointestinal barrier is composed of many components that protect the gut, one being the epithelial cell layer. Based on prior research, Aquamin® supplements have been found to regulate epithelial cell surface proteins that control gastrointestinal barrier formation. This data suggest that Aquamin® can improve gut barrier function and address symptoms of ulcerative colitis and IBS-D. The purpose of this clinical trial is to determine if Aquamin® affects gastrointestinal barrier function through urine collection by assessing lactose mannitol ratio before and after starting Aquamin® supplements to determine the consistency of gut permeability. There will be 10 adults in each category enrolled in the trial: IBS-D, UC, and healthy controls. All will meet certain inclusion and exclusion criteria before consenting to be part of the study, providing urine collection, starting a 90 day trial of Aquamin® supplements, and providing a second urine collection after the 90 days. Upon completion of trial and once all data has been collected, pre and post gut permeability values will be compared using statistical methods by the study biostatistician. Overall, this study aims to assess if Aquamin® has an effect on gut permeability to determine if it could be used in treatment of UC and/or IBS-D patients.
