Recipe for IBD: can we use food to control inflammatory bowel disease?

Semin Immunopathol. 2018 Feb;40(2):145-156. doi: 10.1007/s00281-017-0658-5. Epub 2017 Nov 9.

Abstract

The mucosal immune system and the microbiota in the intestinal tract have recently been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both of these can be influenced by food. Thus, we propose dietary intervention as a therapeutic option for IBD. In this review, we discuss the interaction of the intestinal mucosal immune system and the intestinal microbiota in the context of IBD. In addition, we discuss the impact of food components on immune responses in IBD. Finally, we address the current evidence of how this interaction (i.e., immune system-microbiota) can be modulated by food components, pre/probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and how these approaches can support intestinal homeostasis. By gathering the vast amount of literature available on the impact of food on IBD, we aim to distinguish between scientifically sound data and theories, which have not been included in this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diet*
  • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation / methods
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal / physiology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / diet therapy*
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / immunology*
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / microbiology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / physiopathology
  • Probiotics / pharmacology