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Diet and lifestyle as triggers for ulcerative colitis: patient perception

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2010

S. McLean  and
G. J. Davies
S. McLean
Affiliation:
Nutrition Research Department, London South Bank University, London SE1 OAA, UK
G. J. Davies
Affiliation:
Nutrition Research Department, London South Bank University, London SE1 OAA, UK
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Abstract

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Abstract
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 69 , Issue OCE1: Over- and undernutrition: challenges and approaches. 29 June–2 July 2009 , 2010 , E110
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2009

Studies on diet and lifestyle as triggers for symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis have produced conflicting results(Reference Jowett, Seal and Pearce1–Reference Geerling, Dagnelie and Badart-Smook3). In light of this outcome, guidelines for patients remain unclear.

The aim of the present study was to identify symptom triggers in patients with ulcerative colitis. Ethical approval was obtained from The London South Bank Research Ethics Committee. Patients were recruited from the Surrey regional group of the National Association of Colitis and Crohn's UK. A total of twenty-nine patients with a firm diagnosis of ulcerative colitis >5 years and having more than one relapse were recruited. Nine males of mean age 46.2 (range 28–61) years and mean BMI of 25.5 (range 21.4–33.3) kg/m2 and twenty females of mean age 50.1 (range 27–73) years and mean BMI of 23.8 (range 18.8–35.5) kg/m2 completed a postal questionnaire on symptoms and triggers of ulcerative colitis.

The role of stress as a precipitating factor has produced conflicting results(Reference Lerebours, Gower-Rousseau and Merle4,Reference Mawdsley, Macey and Feakins5). Beer and wine have been positively associated with symptoms in a recent study as a result of the sulphide content(Reference Magee, Edmond and Tasker2). The association of dairy products as a trigger factor is not supported by other studies(Reference Jowett, Seal and Pearce1,Reference Magee, Edmond and Tasker2); however, patients perceived them to be a factor in the incidence of relapses. Females predominately reported fruit and vegetables as trigger factors. This finding may reflect the increased trend in fruit and vegetable consumption by women identified by the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2002(6).

Further investigation is needed to assess long-term dietary and lifestyle factors adopted by patients and their implications for long-term health.

References

1. Jowett, SL, Seal, CJ, Pearce, MS et al. (2004) Gut 53, 1479–1484.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2. Magee, EA, Edmond, LM, Tasker, SM et al. (2005) Nutr J 4, 7.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. Geerling, BJ, Dagnelie, PC, Badart-Smook, A et al. (2000) Am J Gastroenterol 95, 1008–1013.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4. Lerebours, E, Gower-Rousseau, C, Merle, V et al. (2007) Am J Gastroenterol 102, 122–131.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5. Mawdsley, JE, Macey, MG, Feakins, RM et al. (2006) Gastroenterology 131, 410–419.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6. Henderson, L, Gregory, J, Swan, G. (2002). The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Types and Quantities of Food Consumed v 1: Adults aged 19 to 64 years. London: The Stationary Office.Google Scholar