Macro partitioning
Long-term high intake of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with a reduced risk of developing ulcerative colitis, whereas high intake of trans-unsaturated fatty acids is associated with an increased risk.
Focus on your overall dietary pattern rather than just cutting out all fat. Specifically, ensure you are getting long-chain n-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines) as part of your long-term diet, as this may be associated with a lower risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Conversely, minimize trans-unsaturated fats (often found in processed foods) as high intake may be associated with increased UC risk. Note that simply taking fish oil supplements has not been proven to treat or prevent IBD in clinical trials.
Cumulative energy-adjusted intake of total fat, saturated fats, unsaturated fats, n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were not associated with risk of CD or UC. However, greater intake of long-chain n-3 PUFAs was associated with a trend towards lower risk of UC (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.01). In contrast, high long-term intake of trans-unsaturated fatty acids was associated with a trend towards an increased incidence of UC (HR 1.34, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.92).
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort (Nurses' Health Studies), long follow-up (26 years), validated dietary assessment, and medical record confirmation of disease.
Source
Long-term intake of dietary fat and risk of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Ashwin N. Ananthakrishnan et al. · Gut · 2013
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