Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Main Author: Afonso, Joana Catarina Alves
• Publication Date: 2024
• Format: Master thesis
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.6/14699
• topic: Crohn´S Disease; Diet; Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Nutrition; Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a growing health concern worldwide. While diet has been studied as a risk factor and treatment for the condition, there are currently no clear dietary recommendations for IBD patients. Aims: To gather and summarize the most relevant and updated data concerning diet and IBD. Methods: Review the published literature in PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews between 2013 and 2024. Case-control studies, cohort studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines were preferred. Studies of interest for full-text analysis were selected according to the information in titles and abstracts. Results: Fiber and proteins should not be restricted in IBD patients. However, IBD patients should limit their meat consumption and replace it with other protein sources like dairy products. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, while limiting trans fats and n-6 PUFA, can lower the risk of developing IBD. Curcumin supplementation may help induce remission. A low FODMAP diet can relieve functional gastrointestinal symptoms. A balanced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) can reduce inflammation and provide other health benefits like reducing metabolic syndrome and the risk of colorectal neoplasm in IBD patients. The MedDiet may even reduce the risk of IBD. Conclusions: MedDiet has been identified as the most suitable choice for IBD. Further research is necessary to comprehend the effects of diet on IBD and enhance patient management and quality of life.