Relapse Prevention in Ulcerative Colitis by Plant-Based Diet Through Educational Hospitalization: A Single-Group...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) management lacks studies on plant-based diets (PBD).
• Investigating PBD for UC relapse prevention is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a PBD in preventing relapse in patients with UC.
• To evaluate the impact of PBD during educational hospitalization on long-term dietary adherence.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving patients with mild UC or in remission.
• Two-week hospitalization with PBD and dietary guidance.
• Kaplan-Meier analysis for cumulative relapse rates; PBD score for adherence.

Main Results:

• Low cumulative relapse rates observed: 2% at 1 year, 7% at 3 years, 19% at 5 years.
• Significant symptom improvement (e.g., reduced bloody stool) in 77% during hospitalization.
• Improved PBD adherence scores post-hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• PBD hospitalization demonstrated lower relapse rates compared to medication-based treatments.
• Educational hospitalization effectively induces sustained dietary changes for UC patients.