The Association of Nutrient Patterns and Risk of Ulcerative Colitis: A Case-Control Study

Nutrient pattern approach is an appropriate way to compare nutrient intakes across different populations due to the universality of nutrients' nature. The current study was purposed to examine the association between patterns of nutrient intakes and risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) among Iranian adults.

In this case-control study, we enrolled 109 UC patients and 218 age- and sex-matched controls. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated self-administered 106-item dish-based Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). We also used a pre-tested questionnaire to collect data on potential confounders. A gastroenterology specialist made the diagnosis of UC according to international criteria.

In total, 2 nutrient patterns were identified using factor analysis. We found the first nutrient pattern (NP1), characterized by the high intakes of macronutrients, B-vitamins, selenium, iron, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, copper, calcium, fiber, and vitamins E and D, was inversely associated with odds of UC. This association remained significant after taking potential confounders into account; individuals in the top tertile of NP1 score had 93% lower odds of UC compared with those in the bottom tertile (OR: 0.07, 95% CI, 0.01-0.32). Regarding NP2, containing a high amount of beta-carotene, vitamins A, K, and C, potassium, and folate, a significant inverse association was also found (OR: 0.19, 95% CI, 0.09-0.38); such that in the fully adjusted model, individuals in the third tertile of NP2 score were 64% less likely to have UC compared with those in the first tertile (OR: 0.36, 95% CI, 0.15-0.82).

We found that a dietary pattern rich in antioxidants, B-vitamins, macronutrients, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, fat-soluble vitamins, and fiber is inversely associated with UC.