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Apple and Colitis study (AppleCo)

The effects of consuming a heritage apple on markers of inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis: The AppleCo study

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12623001090606
Enrollment
10
Registered
2023-10-17
Start date
2023-11-14
Completion date
2025-05-22
Last updated
2025-09-15

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Inflammation and disturbances in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) are hallmarks of a disease affecting the intestine known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD is broadly classified into two main subtypes based on the regions of the intestine affected: Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC). Both subtypes of IBD are likely to be influenced by diet, however, most studies on dietary supplementation show benefit in UC. Apples are an excellent example of a commonly consumed low-cost fruit grown in NZ and globally that could have potential benefits in IBD. Animal studies show that apple extracts can reduce pathological parameters of the disease. In this study, we will be using an apple product created from a heritage apple variety known as Monty's surprise, that has higher phytochemical concentrations compared to commercial apple varieties. We will be conducting a pilot intervention study with UC participants. Aims: - To assess changes in gut inflammation - To assess changes in disease activity and quality of life - To assess changes in the gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid production - To assess whether the participant's genetic profile influences their response to treatment (personalized nutrition)

Interventions

This is an intervention study conducted to assess the effects of apple on gastrointestinal symptoms and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. Eligible participants will be monitored for disease activity and symptoms for 6-weeks. Additionally, for 2-weeks starting from week 3 of the study, An experienced nutrition researcher will ask the participants to consume a ~250g apple study product provided, daily. The apple study product will be stored in ~250g amounts, pre-prepared in Ma

This is an intervention study conducted to assess the effects of apple on gastrointestinal symptoms and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. Eligible participants will be monitored for disease activity and symptoms for 6-weeks. Additionally, for 2-weeks starting from week 3 of the study, An experienced nutrition researcher will ask the participants to consume a ~250g apple study product provided, daily. The apple study product will be stored in ~250g amounts, pre-prepared in Massey University's product development lab or pilot plant, under strict hygiene conditions and released for consumption. At the beginning of week 3 and Week 4, participants will be given 1-week supply of the study product to store in their freezers and consume the content of one product pack per day. Participants will complete 24-hour recall diaries daily and return all study product packaging to the research unit to assess adherence. Weekly: Participants will be asked to complete online questionnaires through a secure data management platform (RedCAP) and fecal samples will be collected.

Sponsors

Noha Nasef
Lead SponsorIndividual

Study design

Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
17 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

• Established diagnosis of UC for at least 6-months • Faecal calprotectin of greater than 200 µg/g • male or female aged between 18 and 60 • Ability to complete web-based questionnaires in English • Must have an email address and access to a computer and internet. Must have time to complete online weekly questionnaires (~30 minutes each).

Exclusion criteria

• Those who are in remission (P-SCCAI score less than or equal to 2) and disease inactive (MIBDI score) • Those with severe disease activity • History of colectomy, total colectomy or colostomy • Probiotic use • Pregnant or breast feeding • Known allergies or hypersensitivity to apples. • Any significant comorbidities • Antibiotic therapy in the last 4 weeks prior to inclusion into the study

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026