Using a plant-based diet and/or supplements to prevent progression

Question

Does a plant-based diet and/or supplements change a patient’s microbiome to prevent or slow disease progression with smoldering myeloma? 

Description

Your large intestine contains a community of bacteria called your gut microbiome. Your gut microbiome promotes your health in various ways. One of your gut bacteria’s important substances is butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that is produced by some types of gut bacteria when they break down or digest fiber. Butyrate is being studied for its potential effect against both cancer and inflammation. 

Researchers have seen that a plant-based diet may increase butyrate levels. A plant-based diet includes foods that are mainly from plants (for example, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains). Researchers have also seen that omega-3, curcumin, and probiotic supplements may increase butyrate levels when taken alone. We are doing this study to look at how butyrate levels change in participants’ stool after they are on a plant-based diet or supplements for 2 weeks. Information from this study will help us find out whether a plant-based diet or dietary supplement (omega-3, curcumin, or probiotics) may be useful or not in preventing early signs of multiple myeloma in people with SMM.

Impact

This study will help smoldering patients understand if a plant-based diet or supplements can help prevent disease progression. 

Type

Patients will be split into a plant-based diet or supplement group and will take stool samples before and after a 2-week time period. 

Time

2 weeks

Research Partners

Who Can Join

All smoldering myeloma patients willing to participate and adhere to diet or supplement changes.