Should you be on the IBD Anti-Inflammatory Diet (AID) for your IBD?

What is the IBD Anti-Inflammatory Diet (IBD-AID)?

The IBD Anti-Inflammatory Diet (IBD-AID) was derived from the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and modified to include more prebiotic and probiotic foods like specific sources of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and nut and legume flours to help support the gut microbiota.


The diet is divided into 3 phases that correlate with symptoms:

  • 1 (active flare) - easy-to-digest soft & pureed foods

  • 2 (intermittent symptoms) - cooked food & more fibre

  • 3 (remission/maint.) - raw food & various textures


What is the evidence in IBD?
Research on the IBD-AID is limited.


Some case reports have been published suggesting that it may reduce disease activity in some patients but an RCT comparing IBD-AID to patients following Canadian health eating guidelines showed similar relapse rates in both groups over 6 months. Although the group following Canada's Food Guide had a significant increase in faecal calprotectin over 6 months but the group on the anti‐inflammatory diet did not.


More large-scale studies are needed to confirm its efficacy before it can be recommended to patients.


Take Aways - IBD AID for IBD

Pros

  • May reduce disease activity/symptoms in some patients.

  • Includes whole foods, foods with pre‐ or probiotic properties, and anti‐inflammatory foods and fats.

Cons

  • On the evidence we have so far it may not reduce relapse rates.

  • Restrictive nature increases risk of nutrient deficiencies.

  • Restrictive nature means it is less likely to be a sustainable dietary pattern for patients longer term.

  • Limited poor quality data to support its use.

If you would like support with your IBD, 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.


Reference

Lomer MCE, Wilson B, Wall CL. British Dietetic Association consensus guidelines on the nutritional assessment and dietary management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2023 Feb;36(1):336-377. doi: 10.1111/jhn.13054. Epub 2022 Jul 21. PMID: 35735908; PMCID: PMC10084145.

Clemmie Macpherson