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.
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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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 69 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2031
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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Signed informed consent. 2. Male or female ≥ 18 years of age 3. IBD diagnosis (CD, UC or indeterminant Colitis will be permitted) 4. Inactive or mild IBD (HBI score ≤ 4; Partial Mayo score ≤ 4) 5. Presenting for outpatient colonoscopy or clinic appointment Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to provide consent. 2. Patients with previous colectomy, ostomy, J-pouch, or previous colon surgery (excluding appendectomy) 3. Unable to complete study procedures. 4. Chronic use of antibiotics. 5. Inability or unwillingness to swallow capsules. 6. Allergy to xylitol. 7. Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
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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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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Could a simple workout routine tame IBD symptoms?
- Could a new pill tame inflammatory bowel disease? early safety trial begins