Objective: Diet is a risk factor in IBD pathogenesis, but the Irish patient’s perspective on the influence of diet on their disease has not been studied previously. This study aims to 1) examine the dietary patterns and beliefs of Irish patients with IBD and subsequent discussions with an IBD patient collaborator panel (PCP); 2) gain the PCP’s perspectives and views for future IBD research.
Design: This cross-sectional study included an online short FFQ collecting information on dietary patterns, dietary opinions, beliefs, and behaviours. Six in-person PCP sessions were conducted, with in depth discussions on the online questionnaire findings, diet, and lifestyle.
Results: The questionnaire revealed that during relapse, patients consume higher quantities of high-sugar, processed, and meat-based foods while reducing their consumption of high-fibre foods. The PCP agreed that food tolerability is limited during relapse, leading patients to prefer simple carbohydrates for energy. The PCP felt that most dietary advice was received during hospitalisation, focusing on food avoidance, with little follow-up during remission. The PCP highlighted that different factors (disease type, psychological aspects, dietary understanding, support) can influence peoples’ dietary choices. They also express a desire for more information on other factors (e.g., microbiome, stress, quality of life, physical activity, and medical treatment), through future research.
Conclusion: We show that several factors will affect what an IBD patient can and will consume. The PCP desires more information on the multifactorial influence on their disease and increased professional support from a multi-disciplinary team outside of hospitalisation to assist with disease management.
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