High-Fiber Diet May Reduce Crohn Disease Flares

Increased dietary fiber intake is associated with reduction in Crohn disease flares, but not in ulcerative colitis, according to study results.

Previous research has suggested that dietary fiber can affect gastrointestinal tract microbiota, but limited information is available on its effects on inflammatory bowel diseases.
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To further investigate this issue, researchers collected surveys from 1619 participants in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Partners Internet cohort. Participants were in remission at baseline and completed follow-up surveys after 6 months.

Overall, researchers found that those participants with a history of surgery, disease-related hospitalization, and longer disease duration ate less fiber. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of consumption, participants with Crohn disease who ate the most fiber were less likely to experience flares (adjusted odds ratios, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.90).

No association was observed between fiber intake and the likelihood of flares in patients with ulcerative colitis.

“Intake of dietary fiber is associated with reduced disease flares in patients with Crohn disease, but not ulcerative colitis. Recommendations to limit dietary fiber should be re-evaluated,” they concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:                  
Brotherton CS, Martin CA, Long MD, Kappelman MD, Sandler RS. Avoidance of fiber is associated with greater risk of Crohn’s disease flare in a 6-month period [published online March 2016]. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2015.12.029.