Seeking Ileoanal Pouch Patients for a Dietary Research Study

Pouch Diet Study Blog

Dakota Rhys-Jones - PhD Candidate, 22 April 2026

Interested in how different diets affect your gut?

Researchers at Monash University are looking for people living with an ileoanal pouch (J-pouch) to take part in a new study exploring how different diets influence gut health.

Many people with a pouch experience ongoing gut symptoms. While diet is often thought to play a role, we still don’t have clear evidence about which approaches work best. This study aims to improve our understanding and help develop more personalised dietary advice in the future.

What is the purpose of this study?

This study will investigate how two different diets affect:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Bowel habits
  • Markers of gastrointestinal health

We are also interested in how responses differ between individuals.

To ensure the results are as accurate as possible, participants will not be told which diet they are following during the study.

What’s involved?

Participation includes:

  • Following two different diets, each for 7 days
  • Support and guidance from the research team
  • Completing daily food and symptom diaries
  • Providing stool and blood samples
  • Attending 3 study visits at The Alfred Centre

The two diets are designed to be similar in appearance and taste.

Who can participate?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are living with an ileoanal pouch constructed for UC
  • Are aged 18–75 years
  • Are willing to try foods outside your usual diet
  • Speak and understand English
  • Are eligible for Medicare
  • Based in Melbourne

Why take part?

By participating, you will:

  • Help improve dietary guidance for people with an ileoanal pouch
  • Contribute to research focused on individual responses to diet
  • Support the development of more personalised nutrition approaches

Interested?

If you would like more information or are interested in taking part, please contact:

Dakota Rhys-Jones
E: dakota.rhys-jones@monash.edu
T: 03 9903 0367

This study is being conducted by researchers at Monash University and has received ethics approval.

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