A Western dietary pattern — characterized by a high intake of refined grains, animal protein (particularly red or processed meat), and animal fat (from meat or dairy), along with a low intake of fruit and vegetables — may increase the risk of developing IBD.[1] Higher fruit, vegetable, and fiber consumption are associated with a reduced risk of developing IBD.[2]
Despite these findings, exclusion diets — like those that remove milk, carrageenan, or animal products — have little to no effect on IBD disease activity or remission rates.[3] A Low-FODMAP diet improves some GI symptoms without changing markers of disease activity.
People with IBD tend to consume less fiber than healthy people, and often fail to eat enough calories (which is why they may need enteral nutrition support).[5][6] They also have lower levels of vitamins A and K in their blood, and over time, low vitamin A status is associated with greater disease activity.[7]