Nutritional aspects of inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The number of people diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase in most parts of the world. Although the exact etiology of this chronic intestinal disease is not fully understood, nutritional factors appear to play key roles. Furthermore, individuals with IBD are at increased risk of adverse nutritional impacts, including micronutrient deficiencies.

Areas covered

This review aims to summarize recent reports focusing on nutritional factors relevant to the development of IBD and to also review data on nutritional deficiencies seen in individuals with IBD.

Expert opinion

The typical western diet, characterized by high-fat/high-sugar foods, along with food additives, appears to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of IBD. In contrast, some reports indicate that some foods are likely protective. However, there are inconsistencies in the currently available data, reflecting study design and other confounding factors. Furthermore, some of the conclusions are inferred from animal or in vitro studies. The presence of IBD can compromise the nutrition of individuals with one of these disorders: ongoing monitoring is critical. Nutrition and diet in the setting of IBD remain key areas for further and ongoing study.

KEYWORDS:

• Inflammation
• inflammatory bowel disease
• Crohn‘s disease
• ulcerative colitis
• diet
• nutrition

Article highlights

• The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease reflects a number of components, including diet

• The so-called “western diet” comprising high-fat/high-sugar foods is an important dietary factor

• Various food additives and food processing likely also contribute

• Diet impacts upon the intestinal microbiome

• Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease may have comprised nutritional status, with micronutrient deficiency

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.