Diet, microbiome, and IBD in Hispanics

Historically, IBD is known to affect more people of Caucasian origin than other ethnic groups. However, the prevalence of IBD among Hispanics is alarmingly rising. Despite being the largest immigrant population in the U.S., there is scarce research on Hispanics with IBD. We are have partnered with the Center for Population Health at UMASS Lowell and the Center for IBD at the University of Puerto Rico to develop culturally tailored behavioral interventions, with targeted dietary recommendations aimed at modifying the gut microbiota to improve IBD symptomatology.

Hispanics are disproportionally affected by chronic diseases thus our research will pioneer studies for this segment of the U.S. population underrepresented in health research.