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Improved Elemental Diet Shows Promise for Gut Disorders, Cedars-Sinai Study Finds
A new Cedars-Sinai study shows that a more palatable elemental diet may significantly ease symptoms of gut disorders like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), which are caused by microbial overgrowth in the intestines. Traditionally, the elemental diet—a nutrient-rich, easily digestible liquid—is effective but poorly tolerated due to its taste. In this study, 30 adults adhered to a better-tasting version for two weeks. Researchers tracked symptom relief, microbiome changes, and breath test results.
Findings were encouraging: 83% of participants reported symptom improvement, methane levels dropped, and no serious side effects occurred. The diet appeared to restore microbial balance, reduce bloating, and improve gut health.
The results suggest that improving the taste of the elemental diet could increase adherence, offering a non-antibiotic alternative for digestive disorders. Researchers plan larger studies to examine long-term effects and improve access for patients facing socioeconomic barriers. Full results are published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
07-04-2025