Dietary measures for ulcerative colitis in adults

There is no evidence that dietary therapy is effective at controlling inflammation in active ulcerative colitis. Emerging evidence indicates that highly processed foods, and diets rich in refined sugars and low in fibre, may increase the risk of developing an inflammatory bowel disease, and may increase the risk of flares of ulcerative colitisLevine, 2020.

A diet adequate in energy, protein and micronutrients is recommended for patients with ulcerative colitis. Oral nutritional supplements may be needed if these requirements cannot be met with a normal diet. For patients with severe disease, prevent malnutrition by using enteral (or, rarely, parenteral) nutrition support (see Nutrition support).

Restriction of dietary fibre is not routinely required in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, during an exacerbation, reducing intake of insoluble fibre and lactose may provide symptomatic relief of diarrhoea for some patients. Patients should avoid any foods that repeatedly exacerbate their symptoms.