A high-quality diet during the first year of life may significantly lower the subsequent risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Also including the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, according to a recent long-term study published in Gut.
A healthy diet
The findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating plenty of fish and vegetables while minimising the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks in infancy.
Drawing on data from the All Babies in Southeast Sweden study and The Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study, the study involved 81,280 one-year-olds whose diet quality was assessed using a modified Healthy Eating Index scoring system.
The children were followed for an average of 21 years, and during this period, 307 children were diagnosed with IBD.
The study’s suggestions
Results revealed that children with medium and high-quality diets at the age of 1 had a 25% lower overall risk of developing IBD compared to those with a low-quality diet, even after adjusting for various factors.
High fish intake at the age of 1 was associated with a 54% lower risk of ulcerative colitis, while higher vegetable intake also reduced the overall risk of IBD. Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks at this age was linked to a 42% heightened risk of developing IBD.
High fish intake at the age of 1 was associated with a 54% lower risk of ulcerative colitis
By the age of 3, only high fish intake remained associated with a reduced risk of IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis. The findings persisted even after considering household income, formula intake, and antibiotic use by the age of 1.
While the observational study cannot establish causation, it aligns with the hypothesis that early-life diet, possibly influencing the gut microbiome, may impact the risk of developing IBD.
Additives and emulsifiers have an effect
Gastroenterologist Dr. Ashwin Ananthakrishnan, addressing potential limitations in the study, suggests that the questionnaires may not have captured elements like additives and emulsifiers common in baby food, which could contribute to IBD development.
Despite these challenges, he believes it might be time to recommend a ‘preventive’ diet, incorporating dietary patterns associated with lower IBD risk, such as adequate dietary fibre, fish intake, minimised sugar-sweetened beverages, and preference for fresh over processed foods.
In conclusion, while further research is needed, these findings emphasise early dietary interventions’ potential long-term health benefits in reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease in children.
