A plant-based diet is feasible in patients with Crohn's disease

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.