PRODUCE Study update
Interim results of the PRODUCE study were presented last week at the Crohn’s and Colitis Congress and immediately shared within the SCD communities. Although the study has not yet been published, some longtime SCD users were disappointed and even upset upon learning about the study results, which seemed to confirm their concerns about the study’s design and menus.
Diet users are eagerly waiting for science to validate and recognize the benefits and value of SCD and/or other dietary therapies.
However, scientific research of diets is complicated and is always slower than we wish. Expecting conclusive and unequivocal results from a single study is unrealistic. As a matter of fact, there are some good reasons to appreciate and even celebrate the conclusions of the PRODUCE study. We should value this study as a step in a long and important process. Cross-pollination of ideas about dietary therapies for IBD is encouraged by the diet research that was shared at the congress. Ultimately, this will result in a better understanding of the role and use of diets, and in better ways to personalize and tailor diets to individuals. We are heading in the right overall direction.
Dr. David Suskind shared his encouraging outlook and optimistic approach:
‘Once the paper is published I am happy to present my thoughts in more detail. In the meantime I can say that the key take home message is that the PRODUCE is a positive study showing that the SCD and modified version do work for many for clinical symptoms as well as inflammation. This study is impactful for the medical world. The other important point that is often missed by many both within the medical community as well as the rest of the world, is that research, much like life, is a journey with each step giving us more clarity on the truth of a subject.
There are always people who will look at a result and be disappointed. I see these results as opening a gateway into important questions…such as how do we make it easier for patients/families to succeed both from a disease standpoint and overall life. Be assured this study is significant and makes way for further advancement in the field which will benefit all patients in the end.’
More information about the study can be found below: