Beneficial and preventive effect of chitin nanofibrils in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute ulcerative colitis model

► We examined the preventive effects of chitin nanofibrils in a model of acute ulcerative colitis. ► Chitin nanofibrils improved clinical symptoms and suppressed ulcerative colitis. ► Chitin nanofibrils suppressed myeloperoxidase activation in the colon and decreased serum interleukin-6 concentrations. ► Chitin nanofibrils have potential as a functional substance for inflammatory bowel disease patients.