Effect of Gum Arabic on Gastrointestinal Transit and Permeability

To compare the effect of placebo, low-dose prebiotic, or high-dose prebiotic on gut
microbiota composition and function, GI transit and permeability, and assess development of
symptoms or a change in pre-existing symptoms present, in patients with recent history of
clinically diagnosed diverticulitis which has been successfully treated.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Recent diagnosis of diverticulitis (within 6 months) and at least 4 weeks post
antibiotic use

2. Age 18-80

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior history of gastrointestinal surgeries (except appendectomy and cholecystectomy)

2. Known diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis),
microscopic colitis, celiac disease, or other inflammatory condition other than
diverticulitis

3. Use of tobacco products within the past 6 months (since nicotine may affect intestinal
permeability)

4. Use of NSAIDs or aspirin within the past week (since NSAIDs affect intestinal
permeability)

5. Use of osmotic laxatives for the past week

6. Use of oral corticosteroids within the previous 6 weeks

7. Ingestion of artificial sweeteners such as Splenda™ (sucralose), Nutrasweet™
(aspartame), sorbitol, xylitol, lactulose, or mannitol 2 days before the study begins,
e.g. foods to be avoided are sugarless gums or mints and diet beverages

8. Antibiotic use within the past 4 weeks (they can be enrolled after a four-week washout
period)

9. Bowel preparation for colonoscopy within the past week

10. Pregnancy or plan to become pregnant within the study timeframe

11. Vulnerable adults

12. Egg allergy or resistant to ingesting eggs

13. Diagnosis of diabetes

14. Any other disease(s), condition(s) or habit(s) that would interfere with completion of
study, or in the judgment of the investigator would potentially interfere with
compliance to this study or would adversely affect study outcomes