The association between dietary patterns and the risk of developing ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a recurrent inflammatory disorder of the colonic mucosa with a growing global prevalence. Diet is known as a key factor related to the risk of developing UC. This study aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns and UC risk.

In this case-control study, participants' dietary data were recorded using a 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire, and then the obtained information was classified into 33 food groups. To identify major dietary patterns, a factor analysis method was applied. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the association between identified dietary patterns and UC risk.

Data of 81 patients, who suffered from UC, and 163 healthy controls were assessed. Three dietary patterns were identified and named as "western", "traditional", and "healthy" dietary patterns. After the potential confounders were taken into account, the healthy dietary pattern was associated with a reduced odds of UC (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.08-0.57, p < 0.05), whilst the traditional dietary pattern was related to a greater risk of the disease (OR = 4.67, 95% CI = 3.55-23.36, p < 0.05). However, we failed to find any significant relationship between the western dietary pattern and UC risk.

The present study suggested that adherence to a healthy diet might decrease the risk of developing UC, whereas, following Iranian traditional dietary patterns could enhance the odds of the outcome.