Fasting diet shows promise for depression in bowel disease
NCT ID NCT05382897
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a low-calorie, plant-based diet that mimics fasting could reduce depressive symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 42 adults with mild-to-moderate depression and IBD followed either the fasting-mimicking diet or a calorie-sufficient plant-based diet for three 5-day cycles over three months. Researchers measured changes in mood, gut microbes, and immune function to see if targeting the gut could improve mental health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
plant-based fasting-mimicking diet
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a safe, non-drug way to improve mood in people with inflammatory bowel disease.
What could go wrong
This was a small, early-stage trial with only 42 participants. The diet is restrictive and may be hard to follow long-term. Results may not apply to everyone.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Alberta Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
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University of Alberta Human Nutrition Research Unit
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada