Specific carbohydrate diet versus Mediterranean diet in adult patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: a randomized controlled-feeding trial

Background and aims This pilot randomized controlled-feeding trial compared the effect of Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and Mediterranean diet (MeD) in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods Seventeen adults were randomized to a 6-week SCD ( n = 8) or MeD ( n = 9) intervention. Primary outcome was change in partial Mayo Clinic score (pMCS). Results The study was discontinued early due to significant dropout ( n = 9, 52.9%). There was no significant between-group differences observed for pMCS change (SCD, −0.8; MeD, −1.3; p = 0.499) or secondary outcomes. Exploratory metagenomic analysis revealed enrichment of Parasutterella excrementihominis in SCD at week 10. Conclusion In this pilot trial, SCD and MeD showed no difference in therapeutic effects for patients with mild to moderate UC. However, the study was limited by a significant drop out in both arms. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier NCT04398550.