Researchers tested whether a powder made from crickets could help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that affects about 1 in 9 people worldwide. In a small study of 18 adults with IBS, participants ate chocolate treats containing either cricket powder or a placebo for a month, then switched. Both treatments helped reduce symptoms, but the cricket powder appeared to lower inflammation markers in the body more effectively. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, suggesting cricket powder could be a new sustainable food option for managing IBS symptoms.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fiber supplement made from crickets could safely help people with IBS feel better and reduce inflammation in their gut
  • Who participated: 18 adults diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome who ate chocolate treats containing either cricket powder or a fake comparison powder
  • Key finding: Both the cricket powder and the comparison treatment helped reduce IBS symptoms, but cricket powder appeared to lower inflammation markers more effectively (p-value = 0.0350)
  • What it means for you: Cricket powder may be a safe and sustainable way to help manage IBS symptoms, though more research with larger groups is needed before making it a standard recommendation

The Research Details

This was a small pilot study where researchers tested cricket-derived chitin, a fiber from cricket shells, in people with IBS. The study used a crossover design, meaning each participant tried both the cricket powder treatment and a placebo treatment at different times. Participants ate chocolate patties containing either 4 grams of cricket powder or a comparison powder (maltodextrin) every day for 30 days. After a 2-week break, they switched to the other treatment for another 30 days. This design helps researchers see how each person responds to both treatments.

The researchers measured safety by checking for side effects, blood work, and quality of life. They also measured how well each treatment worked by looking at IBS symptoms, gut inflammation markers, and the types of bacteria in participants’ digestive systems. Samples were collected before and after each treatment period to track changes.

This research approach is important because it tests a new, sustainable food source (crickets) that could help people with IBS without requiring new medications. The crossover design is particularly valuable because it allows researchers to compare how the same person responds to both treatments, reducing the effect of individual differences. Testing both safety and symptom improvement together helps ensure the treatment won’t cause harm while potentially helping.

This is a small pilot study, which means it’s designed to test whether an idea is worth studying more deeply rather than provide definitive answers. The small sample size (18 people) means results should be interpreted cautiously. However, the study used a double-blind design, meaning neither participants nor researchers knew who received which treatment, which reduces bias. The study was registered in advance on ClinicalTrials.gov, which is a sign of good research practices. The findings suggest cricket powder is safe and tolerable, but larger studies are needed to confirm whether it truly works better than placebo.

What the Results Show

All participants completed the study without serious safety concerns, and both treatments were well-tolerated with minimal side effects. This means cricket powder appears to be safe for people with IBS to consume. Both the cricket powder treatment and the comparison treatment led to improvements in IBS symptoms, which suggests that simply eating the chocolate treats may have had a beneficial effect, possibly due to the cacao or the act of consistent daily eating.

However, the cricket powder showed an additional benefit: it appeared to lower inflammatory markers in the blood more effectively than the comparison treatment (p-value = 0.0350). Inflammation is thought to be one of the key problems in IBS, so reducing it could be important for long-term symptom management. Both treatments also changed the types of bacteria in participants’ digestive systems, though in different ways.

The study found that both treatments affected the gut microbiota (the community of bacteria in the digestive system) differently, suggesting that cricket powder and cacao have distinct effects on gut bacteria. This is important because the balance of gut bacteria is believed to play a role in IBS symptoms. The study also noted improvements in stool consistency and general gastrointestinal symptoms with both treatments, indicating that the benefits weren’t limited to just inflammation markers.

This research builds on existing evidence that dietary fiber and prebiotic foods can help manage IBS by improving gut bacteria and reducing inflammation. Cricket chitin is a novel source of prebiotic fiber that hasn’t been extensively studied in IBS populations before. The finding that it may reduce inflammatory markers more effectively than a standard comparison aligns with the theory that IBS involves excessive inflammation, supporting the idea that targeting inflammation through diet could be beneficial.

The main limitation is the very small sample size of only 18 people, which means results may not apply to everyone with IBS. The study was short (30 days of treatment), so we don’t know if benefits last longer or if they continue if people stop taking it. The study couldn’t determine if the benefits came from the cricket powder itself or from other components like cacao. Additionally, because both treatments improved symptoms, it’s unclear whether the cricket powder’s additional anti-inflammatory effect translates to meaningful symptom relief for patients. Larger, longer studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

The Bottom Line

Based on this pilot study, cricket powder appears to be a safe option for people with IBS to try, with moderate confidence. However, because this is a small preliminary study, it should not replace standard IBS treatments without consulting a healthcare provider. The evidence suggests cricket powder may help reduce inflammation, but more research is needed before making it a standard recommendation. People interested in trying it should do so under medical supervision and monitor their symptoms carefully.

This research is most relevant to adults with IBS who are interested in dietary approaches to managing their symptoms. It may be particularly interesting to those looking for sustainable, plant-based fiber sources or those who haven’t responded well to other treatments. However, people with shellfish allergies should be cautious, as cricket is an arthropod like shellfish. This research is not yet applicable to children or pregnant women, as they were not studied. Anyone considering trying cricket powder should discuss it with their doctor first.

In this study, participants took the cricket powder for 30 days and showed improvements in inflammatory markers and symptoms within that timeframe. However, this doesn’t mean everyone will see benefits this quickly. Some people may need several weeks to notice changes in their IBS symptoms. Long-term benefits beyond 30 days are unknown and would require additional research.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily IBS symptoms using a simple 1-10 scale for bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel regularity. Record this each evening along with whether you took the cricket powder supplement that day. Also note any changes in energy levels or overall well-being.
  • Start by adding 4 grams of cricket powder daily (the amount used in the study) to foods like smoothies, yogurt, or chocolate treats. Begin with this consistent daily routine and track how you feel over 2-4 weeks. If well-tolerated, continue monitoring for symptom changes.
  • Maintain a weekly summary of your symptom scores and note any patterns. After 4 weeks, compare your average symptom scores to your baseline. If you see improvement, continue the supplement while monitoring for any changes. If no improvement occurs after 6-8 weeks, discuss with your healthcare provider whether to continue or try other approaches.

This research is a small pilot study and should not be considered definitive medical advice. Cricket powder is not approved by the FDA as a treatment for IBS. If you have IBS or are considering trying cricket powder, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have allergies to shellfish or insects, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. This study provides preliminary evidence only; larger studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.