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Johan van Limbergen

Principal Investigator

Emma Research

For the latest publications of this PI visit Johan van Limbergen – Amsterdam UMC
Limbergen, J.E. van (Johan) j.e.vanlimbergen@amsterdamumc.nl

Research linePaediatric IBD with focus on nutritional therapy
DepartmentPediatric gastroenterology
Research Institute(s)AR&D
Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism
DescriptionThe increasing incidence of Crohn’s disease causes considerable morbidity and poses challenges for our health care due to costs of therapy/hospitalisation/surgery. We and others have shown in randomized trials that dietary self-management using the Crohn’s exclusion diet (CDED) can induce remission in children and adults, increase quality of life and reduce the need for immune-suppressing medication.
Our research programme assesses biomarkers/multi-omics and novel technology (including heart-rate variability) to improve intestinal healing with dietary therapy.
Analysis of HRV-data of patients from disease to remission and during maintenance of remission, will enable integration of biomarkers (CRP/calprotectin) and immune-phenotyping together with multi-omics analyses (epigenetics, microbiome, metabolome).
To date, disease management is guided by markers of inflammation in blood and feces together with return of symptoms, which are late signs. Our programme hopes to facilitate the development of non-invasive bio-signatures to help patients improve self-management.
In addition to this novel investigator-initiated research programme, we also participate in several industry-sponsored clinical trials and collaborate with other centers in Europe and Canada on IBD-related research projects with other members of the ESPGHAN-Porto IBD group.
Seniors• Johan Van Limbergen, UHD / PI
• Chen Sarbagili RD/PhD: postdoc
• Rotem Sigall Boneh RD/PhD-candidate
Nikki van der Kruk MD/PhD-candidate
Projects
The BIOMODEM projectBiomarker/BioSensor development using Modulife to achieve intestinal healing in Maintenance of Remission in Crohn’s disease
PARADISECDED vs budesonide/prednison for induction of remission in mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis: nutritional needs assessmentUlcerative colitis: nutritional needs assessment
PIBD-NutsNutritional screening IBD patients (main site: Glasgow University)
Nutri-IBDObservational study biomarkers of crohn’s disease (main site: Weizmann Institute)
Ulcerative colitis: nutritional needs assessmentIndustry-sponsored research UC / CD: Upadacitinib, mirikizumab, risankizumab

Last edited: 05-03-2026