Inflammatory bowel diseases and diet: An integrative review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To gather scientific evidence on the role of diet in inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: Integrative review with studies published in the last 10 years in national and international journals. Original studies developed with adult human beings aged ≥18 years were included and articles published before 2010, literature reviews, and those that did not focus on elements that answered the guiding question were excluded. RESULTS: 14 articles were selected that addressed important dietary elements in inflammatory bowel disease such as fermentable carbohydrates and polyols, foods of animal origin, foods rich in omega 3, consumption of fruits and vegetables, use of probiotic supplements, whey proteins and soy. CONCLUSION: The diet, as a potentially modifiable environmental factor, plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The reduction in the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates and polyols combined with the increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as the exclusion of products of animal origin such as beef, pork, milk and eggs can help control inflammation and improve the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The use of probiotics increases food tolerance and, whey and soy proteins, can alter body composition and reduce inflammation.