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Exploring Dietary Influences on IBD: Insights from Irish Patients
Co-authored by APC researchers and a PPI panel, the study highlights the importance of patient perspectives in managing IBD and advocates for greater inclusion of PPI in future research.
A first of its kind public and patient involvement (PPI) study has been conducted at APC Microbiome Ireland, a Research Ireland centre at University College Cork. Led by Naomi Hanrahan, this pioneering study explores and reports on patients' perspectives regarding diet and its impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Discussions with the PPI panel revealed a preference for simple, calorie-dense foods among those with active disease. The panel also highlighted the various factors, including disease type, psychological aspects, dietary understanding, and support, influence their dietary choices.
Published in BMJ Open Gastroenterology, the study was conducted in two phases: an online questionnaire completed by 125 individuals living with IBD and 58 without, and a PPI panel consisting of four patients with extensive experiential knowledge of IBD, each having lived with the condition for at least 14 years.
Key findings from the questionnaire indicated that individuals with active IBD tend to consume more high-sugar, processed, and meat-based foods, while their intake of high-fibre foods decreases. Specifically, those with active Crohn’s disease generally consumed lower amounts of fibre, non-starch polysaccharides, and essential micronutrients such as B vitamins (B1, B2, and B9), vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.
“The insights from the PPI panel were invaluable and have transformed my approach to research in realising the impact is has on people's lives” said Naomi Hanrahan, first author and PhD researcher at APC.
Meet our PPI panel: IBD Insights: Meet the PPI Panel | University College Cork
