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Pre-illness diet as risk factor in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Saudi Arabia
Mohammad I El Mouzan1, Mohammad A Al Mofarreh2, Ahmad A Al Sarkhy1
1Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology Division, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Low fruit consumption is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Saudi children. This study highlights the importance of fruit intake as a potential dietary factor in pediatric IBD risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Background:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) incidence is rising in Saudi Arabia.
- Limited understanding exists regarding IBD risk factors in the region.
- Dietary habits are suspected contributors to IBD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential dietary risk factors for IBD in Saudi children.
- To identify specific food consumption patterns associated with pediatric IBD.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of children diagnosed with IBD (cases) and healthy children (controls).
- Food frequency questionnaires assessed dietary intake (fast food, sweet drinks, fruits, vegetables) prior to illness onset.
- Multivariate logistic regression and odds ratios were used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- 91 children (52 IBD, 39 controls) were analyzed.
- Higher consumption of fast food and sweet drinks, and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables were observed in IBD cases.
- Significantly, reduced fruit consumption showed a positive association with IBD (OR=2.89).
Conclusions:
- A statistically significant association exists between lower fruit consumption and IBD in Saudi children.
- Findings suggest fruit intake may be a protective factor against pediatric IBD.
- Public health initiatives should emphasize the benefits of frequent fruit consumption.
Background/Aim:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in Saudi Arabia but there's little knowledge about its risk factors. Our aim is to investigate the dietary risk factors of this disease in Saudi children.
Patients And Methods:
The children investigated for IBD were prospectively enrolled. Those with confirmed IBD were designated cases and the others were controls. The average food frequency intake at least 3 months before onset of illness was obtained by direct interview and recorded on a modified food frequency questionnaire. Fast food, sweet gaseous soft drinks, fruits, and vegetables were selected. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression was used, and the odds ratio was calculated to report the statistical significance of the results.
Results:
A total of 91 children, 52 IBD (38 CD, 14 UC) and 39 controls were enrolled. Consumption of fast food and sweet gaseous drinks was more frequent in children with IBD than controls, whereas consumption of fruits and vegetables was less frequent in children with IBD. Only less fruits consumption was significantly associated with IBD as the odds of children getting IBD was 2.89 (1.06, 7.87).
Conclusions:
We report statistically significant positive association between less fruits consumption and IBD. Awaiting the results of larger sample size and more quantitative studies, the benefits of frequent fruit consumptions should be part of public health education.
