Could your diet change gut bacteria and raise colon cancer risk?

NCT ID NCT03550885

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at how two different diets affect gut bacteria and markers linked to colon cancer risk in 15 African American adults at higher risk. Participants ate a high-fat, animal-based diet and a low-fat, plant-based diet for three weeks each. Researchers measured changes in gut bacteria and bile acids to understand the connection between diet and colon cancer risk.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: diet (high taurine and saturated fat vs. low taurine and saturated fat)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help explain how certain diets increase colon cancer risk and point to dietary changes that lower that risk.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It looks at biological markers, not actual cancer outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COLORECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rush University Medical Center and University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

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