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

NCT ID NCT06799039

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.