Association of Dietary Factors With Ulcerative Colitis in India

Abstract

Background: Western studies associate high intake of animal protein, fat, refined sugars and low intake of fruits and green vegetables with causation of ulcerative colitis. Indian data on such association is scanty. Methods: 50 consecutive patients of ulcerative colitis were compared to 50 age and sex matched normal controls with respect to their demographic and nutritional parameters (based on commonly consumed food items in the region) in this case control study. Food groups enquired for were meat, fish, cereals, fruits, green leafy vegetables, fried foods, refined sugar and tea/coffee and their intake were estimated semiquantitatively by a questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the parameters were carried out to detect the association of any with ulcerative colitis at significance p <0.05. Results: Low intake of fruits (odds ratio 0.28 for lowest intake level) and high intake of refined sugar(odds ratio 1.78 for the highest intake level) were the only significant factors associated with occurrence of ulcerative colits both on univariate and multivariate analysis. None of the patients were pure vegetarians. Conclusion: This initial study shows association of ulcerative colitis with similar food items in India as in the West despite vast differences in dietary practices.