Irritable bowel disease (IBD) is a digestive disorder that affects more than 5 million people in the world. In order to assist research efforts toward preventing this disease, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation has given $200,000 in grants to medical teams developing protective treatments.

People with IBD suffer damage to their colon and small intestine, which can lead to fatigue, abdominal discomfort and bleeding. Depending on the severity of symptoms, patients can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or have surgery to remove damaged parts of their digestive system.

The foundation established the grant program to help investigators who are contributing to eliminating IBD, and funding recipients were chosen based on their collaboration, innovation and the expected success rates of their studies.

“We are very optimistic that breakthrough discoveries are on the horizon that will improve the quality of life for those suffering from IBD,” said Jen Rainin, president of the foundation.

In addition to the development of IBD medications and therapies, patients with this illness can benefit from foods such as olive oil that can improve digestive health, according to a study presented at the Digestive Disease Week exhibition.