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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Incorporating plant-based diets as a supplement to medical treatment may have a beneficial impact on patients with Crohn's disease, however, research with intervention studies is required.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a plant-based diet intervention. Secondly, the purpose was to investigate whether such diet may reduce disease activity and enhance quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a single arm feasibility study. Outpatients with Crohn's disease in biological therapy were guided over twelve weeks towards a dietary lifestyle change.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility concerning recruitment, retention rate and compliance. Secondary outcomes were measures of patient reported outcome questionnaires (PROMS). Paired t-tests were used to examine changes in CO2 emissions, anthropology, biomarkers, and patient-reported data. Δ-values were used to investigate difference between dietary intake and requirements. Linear regression analyses examined the association between biomarkers and PROMS.

RESULTS: In total, 15 participants completed the intervention with easy recruitment and a retention rate at 87.6%. A clinically positive tendency was seen towards improved symptom scores for disease (HBI; p=0.028 and IBDQ; p=0.006) but not for fatigue (IBD-F; p = 0.097), although none of these were statistically significant. Adverse effects were decreased protein intake (p=0.069) and slightly reduced muscle mass. It remains unclear to what extent the intervention contributed to the improved self-reported effects although perception of disease activity was improved.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that it is possible to retain patients following a plant-based diet. However, the dietary change required ongoing dietetic support with a focus on anti-inflammatory agents and the still unattainable protein requirements.

Original languageEnglish
JournalClinical Nutrition ESPEN
Volume64
Pages (from-to)28-36
Number of pages9
ISSN2405-4577
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Biological therapy
  • Complimentary medicine
  • Feasibility study
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Lifestyle change
  • Nutrition
  • Out-patients
  • Plant based diet
  • Plant-based diet

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