Food Supplementation With VSL#3 as a Support to Standard Pharmaceutical Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female patients aged more than 18 years;
2. Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis established by previous colonoscopy, with consistent histology and clinical course;
3. Ulcerative colitis extending for more than 15 cm from the anal verge, that is involving at least the rectosigmoid. This is based on colonoscopy at any time since the onset of ulcerative colitis. Activity (not extent) must be confirmed by colonoscopy at the beginning of the study;
4. Mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis. Patients must have a minimum score of 3 and a maximum score of 8 on the 12 point UCDAI (Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index - see Appendix 3) that measures stool frequency, rectal bleeding, endoscopic findings and physician's overall assessment of disease severity;
5. Symptomatic (current episode) for less than 4 weeks;
6. Minimum endoscopic score of 2 on the UCDAI at screening (mucosal appearance);
7. Use of oral 5-ASA at least 4 weeks prior to study entry, at same dose; and/or use of Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine at least 3 months prior to study entry, at same dose;
8. Negative pregnancy test on screening and agreeing to use valid contraception for the duration of the study;
9. Patient not requiring hospitalisation;
10. Willing an able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Crohn's disease or pouchitis;
2. UCDAI greater than 8 (need for emergency surgery or presence of severe disease;
3. Use of oral steroids within the last 4 weeks prior to study entry;
4. Use of antibiotics within the last 2 weeks prior to study entry;
5. Change in dose of oral 5-ASA within the last 4 weeks prior to study entry and throughout the 8 week study period, or change in dose of oral 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine drugs within the last 3 months prior to study entry and throughout the 8 week study period;
6. Use of rectal 5-ASA or steroids for one week before and throughout the 8 week study period;
7. Use of probiotic preparations either prescribed or over-the-counter within 2 weeks prior to study entry;
8. Use of NSAIDS for one week before and throughout the 8 week study period;
9. Significant hepatic, renal, endocrine, respiratory, neurological or cardiovascular disease as determined by the Investigator;
10. History of severe adverse reaction or known hypersensitivity to maltose and/or silicon dioxide;
11. Patient requiring hospitalisation;
12. Pregnant or lactating women, or women of child bearing potential not using an acceptable form of birth control (negative pregnancy test also required);
13. Use of any investigational drug and/or participation in any clinical trial within 3 months of entry to this study;
14. Inability to give a valid informed consent or to properly follow the protocol