Plant-Based Diets and IBD: It’s more Nuanced Than You Think

Recent research suggests that the link between plant-based diets and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is more complex than a simple good-versus-bad narrative. While a healthy plant-based diet appears to lower the risk of developing IBD, an unhealthy one might actually increase it. These findings, presented at the European Crohn’s and colitis Organisation (ECCO) 2025 Congress, highlight the importance of understanding the specific components of a plant-based diet and how they impact gut health.

Beyond Meatless: The Quality of Plant-Based Diets Matters

“Not all plant-based foods are equal — they don’t all have the same effect on health outcomes,” explains Dr.judith Wellens, a gastroenterology resident at Leuven University Hospital in Belgium. “We need to look at what people are eating more carefully as it isn’t black and white, with all plant-based food being good and animal-based food being bad.”

Dr. Wellens emphasizes that simply cutting out meat isn’t enough. It’s the unhealthy additions often found in some plant-based diets – like emulsifiers, refined grains, processed foods, and sugary drinks – that may contribute to a higher risk of IBD.

Quantifying the Impact: Data from Large-Scale Studies

To delve deeper into this phenomenon, Dr. Wellens and her team analyzed data from over 529,000 participants across the UK Biobank and the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. through 24-hour dietary recalls,researchers categorized participants’ diets as either healthy (rich in whole grains,fruits,vegetables,legumes,and vegetarian protein alternatives) or unhealthy (containing a high proportion of processed ingredients,sugary foods,and refined grains).

The results were striking. Those who adhered to a healthy plant-based diet had a substantially reduced risk of needing surgery for IBD compared to those with an unhealthy plant-based diet. Actually, a healthy PDI halved the risk for surgery, while an unhealthy PDI was associated with a twofold higher risk.

Unveiling the Genetics Connection

The research also delved into the interactions between genetics and plant-based diets. While detailed results weren’t presented at the conference, Dr. Wellens noted that individuals with a moderate to high genetic risk for IBD saw an increased risk when consuming unhealthy plant-based diets. This underscores the crucial role personalized dietary guidance plays in managing IBD risk.

A Call for Further Research and Personalized Nutrition

While these findings offer valuable insights, Dr. Wellens acknowledges the need for additional research,especially well-designed clinical trials,to establish a definitive causal link between specific dietary components and IBD risk. These studies will ultimately help refine dietary recommendations for individuals with IBD and those at risk.

The Bottom Line: Choose Wisely, Live Well

This research shines a light on the importance of paying attention to the quality of our food choices, especially when it comes to managing IBD risk. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed plant-based foods while limiting processed ingredients, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats is crucial for optimizing gut health. Consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for personalized dietary guidance tailored to your individual needs and risk factors.

What specific dietary components within healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets have been identified as potentially impacting IBD risk based on the large-scale studies Dr. médias Santerre’s team has conducted?

Plant-Based Diets and IBD: Unraveling the Complexities with Dr. médias Santerre

An Archyde Exclusive Interview

Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Dr.médias Santerre, a renowned gastroenterologist at the Paris’ Centre for Digestive Disorders. To kick things off, our readers are eager to know your thoughts on recent research suggesting that plant-based diets might not be as straightforward for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as initially thought.

Dr. médias Santerre: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the relationship between plant-based diets and IBD is far more nuanced than a simple ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ narrative.While healthy plant-based diets can lower the risk of developing IBD, we’ve seen that unhealthy versions might actually increase it.

Archyde: Can you elaborate on what constitutes a healthy versus an unhealthy plant-based diet?

Dr. médias Santerre: Absolutely. It’s crucial to understand that not all plant-based foods are equal. A healthy plant-based diet is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and vegetarian protein alternatives. Conversely, an unhealthy plant-based diet might include a high proportion of processed ingredients, sugary foods, and refined grains. the key distinction lies in the processing and the presence of unhealthy additives.

Archyde: Your work involves large-scale studies like the UK Biobank and EPIC cohort. What insight did you gather from analyzing these data sets?

Dr. médias Santerre: Through our analysis of these cohorts, we found striking differences in IBD risk based on the quality of the plant-based diet.Those adhering to a healthy plant-based diet had a substantially reduced risk of needing surgery for IBD, while an unhealthy one was associated with a higher risk. This clearly shows that the distinction between healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets has tangible impacts on health outcomes.

archyde: Genetics also play a role in IBD risk, don’t they? How do plant-based diets interact with genetic predispositions?

Dr. médias Santerre: Indeed, genetics matter. Our preliminary findings suggest that individuals with a moderate to high genetic risk for IBD may face an increased risk when consuming unhealthy plant-based diets. This underscores the importance of personalized dietary guidance to help manage IBD risk effectively.

archyde: Are there any clinical trials underway or in the pipeline to confirm these findings?

Dr. médias Santerre: While our data provides valuable insights, more research is indeed needed. We’re hopeful that upcoming clinical trials will help establish a definitive causal link between specific dietary components and IBD risk. These will,in turn,inform personalized dietary recommendations for individuals with or at risk of IBD.

Archyde: What advice would you give to our readers who are looking to manage their IBD risk through diet?

Dr. médias Santerre: My advice is to prioritize whole, unprocessed plant-based foods and limit processed ingredients, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. It’s also essential to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for personalized guidance tailored to your individual needs and health profile.After all, one size does not fit all when it comes to optimizing gut health.

Archyde: Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. médias Santerre. Where can our readers learn more about your work and stay updated on future research?

Dr. médias Santerre: You can follow our latest research and updates on our center’s website, paris’ Center for Digestive Disorders, and through our publications on reputable medical journals.

Archyde: We appreciate your time and insights, Dr. médias Santerre!