Overview

• The UK Biobank study followed 143,434 adults over an average of 14.5 years, documenting 795 ulcerative colitis cases and 322 Crohn’s cases.
• Participants adhering to a healthy plant-based diet experienced an 8% lower risk of ulcerative colitis and a 14% lower risk of Crohn’s disease.
• An unhealthy plant-based diet high in animal fats and vegetable oils was linked to a 15% increased risk of Crohn’s disease.
• Higher intakes of fruits and vegetables accounted for a substantial portion of the diet’s protective effect against inflammatory bowel disease.
• Researchers are analyzing blood biomarkers to uncover the specific anti-inflammatory mechanisms driving the observed risk reductions.