Be careful where you get your IBD nutrition information from

A recent analysis (in 2024) showed that only 2.1% of nutrition content on TikTok was accurate.

We see in our clinic a huge number of patients following inaccurate nutrition advice they have seen online and we spend a lot of time with patients correcting this and giving evidence-based guidance.

Incorrect IBD dietary advice may:

  • encourage unnecessary food restriction

  • increase risk of malnutrition which can have a negative effect on IBD and quality of life

  • increase disordered eating

  • increase stress around food

So what can you do? Firstly, if possible, see an IBD specialist Dietitian or Nutritionist to get personalist advice, and when you are online look for these red and green flags:

IBD Diet Information RED flags:

Please think twice about taking advice for your IBD from someone who:

  • Offers a 'magic' medicine, ingredient or product.

  • Suggests you have to do private tests like food intolerance, microbiome stool tests or kinesiology tests.

  • Promises to ‘cure’ your IBD.

  • Encourages you to avoid or remove whole food groups from your diet with no medical reason to.

  • Promotes a one-size-fits-all restrictive diet for everyone with IBD.

  • Recommends 'detoxing' or ‘gut cleanses’ or ‘gut healing protocols’.

  • Offers no scientific evidence, other than personal success stories.

IBD Diet Information GREEN flags:

  • is an IBD specialist Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist

  • has obvious clinical experience working with patients with IBD

  • uses scientific evidence to back up information they are providing not just their opinion

  • has a balanced view on dietary choices, doesn't promote a one-size-fits-all, and understands there are many nuances when it comes to nutrition and IBD

If you would like more personalised support from an IBD specialist clinic we can help you.

We are a nutrition and dietetics clinic specialising providing exceptional care to improve the quality of life of people living with IBD. We bring clarity around food and IBD and remove uncertainty and fear around food.

Our IBD specialist Nutritionist (Clemmie) and specialist gastroenterology and IBD Dietician (Jess) both have IBD too so ‘get it’ and are so passionate about helping others with IBD.

If you would like support with your IBD please book a free initial call via the button below so we can find out more about you, discuss how we can help and take you through our appointment options.

Clemmie Macpherson