Inflammatory Bowel Disease is an umbrella term for chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn’s and colitis. These conditions are on the rise, especially among children. Help cold come from a simple fruit juice.
This double-blind study included 16 people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that was in remission but who were at high risk of relapse. It gave them either 125mg of 100% pomegranate juice or placebo for 12 weeks.
The primary measure in the study was levels of fecal calprotectin. Calprotectin is a marker of mucosal inflammation. People with IBD who are in remission but have elevated calprotectin are at higher risk of relapse.
This study found that the people drinking pomegranate juice saw their calprotectin decrease significantly by about 2.4 fold while there was no significant change in the placebo group.
This study suggests that drinking pomegranate juice improves maintenance of remission in people with IBD who are at high risk of relapse.
Ellagitannins, the powerful polyphenol flavonoid found abundantly in pomegranate, was responsible for the juice’s benefit. Ellagitannins are also found in berries and nuts.
Mol Nutr Food Res. 2025 Apr 21;69(15):e70067.