Understanding (Poly)Phenol Metabolism in People With an Ileostomy

Plant foods contain natural compounds called (poly)phenols, which may help lower the risk of heart and metabolic diseases. However, people differ greatly in how they absorb and process these compounds, partly because most (poly)phenols are broken down by gut bacteria in the colon. This makes it difficult to know exactly which metabolites come from the diet, and which are produced by the body. Studying people with an ileostomy provides a unique opportunity to understand how much is absorbed in the small intestine and how these compounds are transformed. This will help us better understand individual responses to dietary (poly)phenols.

Inclusion Criteria: * Currently living with an ileostomy * \> 1-year post-operative * Aged 18 - 75 years * BMI 18 - 28 kg/m2 * Males and females (not currently pregnant / lactating) * Non-smokers (including vaping) * Not taking antibiotic therapy 3 months prior to the study * No phytochemical supplement usage 2 weeks prior to study start. * Free-living (i.e. not housebound) * No participation in other biomedical studies 3 months prior. Exclusion Criteria: * Not currently living with an ileostomy * Ileostomy formed \< 1 year previously * Not aged 18 - 75 years * BMI \28 kg/m2 * Pregnant / lactating female * Smokers (including vaping) * Those taking antibiotic therapy 3 months prior to the study * Phytochemical supplement usage within 2 weeks of study start. * Housebound or otherwise unable to attend testing visits. * Participation in a biomedical study (3 months prior to study start).