Researchers at the University of Sheffield are currently seeking volunteers
to participate in a study investigating whether vitamin D supplementation
in combination with a probiotic or on its own can help relieve symptoms in
individuals suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
We are looking to recruit 150 subjects who have been previously diagnosed
with IBS to take part in a 12 week clinical trial in which participants
will be required to take either a vitamin D supplement, vitamin D in
conjunction with a probiotic, or a placebo in subjects grouped according to
vitamin D status (normal vs. low).
Subjects will then be asked to fill in a symptom severity questionnaire
fortnightly in order to monitor any changes, as well as provide a food
diary at the start and end of the trial and fill out a food frequency
questionnaire. Subjects will also provide blood samples at the start and
upon completion of the trial, to monitor baseline levels of Vitamin D.
At the end of the trial, participants will be invited to take part in a
focus group to discuss their response to the intervention. This is
entirely optional and you can still take part in the intervention trial
even if you do not wish to participate in the focus groups.
Participants will be compensated for their time, upon completion of the
trial.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact the
PROBIVIT research team on: PROBIVIT@sheffield.ac.uk or telephone 07818
722248.