Diet modification may improve QOL in IBD
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Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease can be improved through dietary modification, according to a study published by the Oxford University Press on behalf of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
“Despite data supporting clinical improvements using dietary therapy in IBD, we have fewer data evaluating the impact of dietary interventions on patient-recorded QOL,” Anita Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH, a clinical fellow at Yale School of Medicie, and colleagues wrote.
Researchers conducted an uncontrolled clinical trial to examine the efficacy of an autoimmune protocol diet in adults with active IBD. The dietary intervention by the researchers included a 6-week elimination phase of grains, legumes, nightshades, dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, nuts and seeds, processed sugars, oils, anti-inflammatory drugs and food additives. After completion of this phase, researchers conducted a 5-week maintenance phase wherein food group reintroduction was not allowed.
The final study cohort included 15 participants aged at least 18 years with active Crohn’s disease, nine with Crohn’s disease and six with ulcerative colitis. The participants completed a short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire at baseline, and during weeks 3, 6, 9 and 11.
Results showed that 73% of participants achieved clinical remission by week 6 and maintained remission throughout the 5-week maintenance phase. Five patients with UC and two patients with CD completed follow-up endoscopy. Mayo endoscopy subscore improved by more than 1 point for 80% of the patients.
“Our study suggests that the [autoimmune protocol] diet has the potential to significantly improve QOL within a relatively short time frame, including during the elimination phase of dietary therapy,” Chandrasekaran and colleagues wrote.
The researchers noted that it is necessary to conduct larger randomized controlled trials to assess long-term efficacy and effects on QOL of dietary therapy for patients with IBD. – by Erin T. Welsh
Disclosure: Chandrasekaran reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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