Could a sweetener beat a gut infection? early trial tests xylitol for c. diff in IBD patients

NCT ID NCT06799039

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether xylitol, a common sugar alcohol, can safely clear C. difficile bacteria from the guts of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). About 69 adults with mild or inactive IBD will take different doses of xylitol for up to 8 weeks. Researchers will check for side effects, whether the infection clears, and if IBD symptoms improve.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

xylitol (a sugar alcohol)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to clear C. difficile infections in people with IBD, potentially reducing flare-ups and need for stronger drugs.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small pilot trial (69 people) testing multiple doses for safety first. It may not show clear benefit, and xylitol might cause digestive side effects or fail to clear the infection.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Clostridium difficile colitis Clostridium infectious disease inflammatory bowel disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-••••

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••