Diet showdown: three eating plans battle bloating in scleroderma patients
NCT ID NCT07402226
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study compares three different diets to see which one best reduces bloating and other stomach symptoms in people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Sixty participants will follow one of three diets for six weeks: a low-FODMAP diet, a diet that removes foods harmful to the gut, or a diet focused on regular meals and fiber. The goal is to find a practical way to improve quality of life without medication.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dietary intervention (low FODMAP, CDED, or NICE diet)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point to a simple, drug-free way to manage bloating and stomach discomfort in people with systemic sclerosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 people. Diets are hard to stick to, and results may not apply to everyone. It tests symptom relief, not a cure.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) as per ACR/EULAR classification criteria .• Self-reported moderate to severe gastrointestinal bloating or distension, with a UCLA SCTC-GIT 2.0 bloating Scale score ≥2.00 on (0.00-3.00 scale) at screening. * Willingness and ability to comply with dietary intervention and study procedures. * Ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or celiac disease. * Use of systemic antibiotics within 4 weeks prior to baseline. * History of gastrointestinal surgery (other than cholecystectomy or appendectomy unless in the last 3 months). * Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric illness that would limit ability to follow dietary instructions. * Known allergy or intolerance to major components of any of the study diets (e.g., lactose, gluten) unless manageable within diet framework. * Current or recent (within 3 months) dietary intervention for managing GI symptoms (e.g. gluten-free diet, low FODMAP diet, etc.). * Clinically significant self-reported (≥10 percent weight loss) in the last 3 months * BMI less than 20 * Ongoing tube feeds or TPN * Participating in another interventional trial * Pregnancy or lactation, or planning pregnancy in the next 6 months
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Michigan
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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