Sept. 13, 2004 -- A British study shows that diets high in meat,
sulphur-rich foods, and alcohol are associated with an increased
relapse risk for ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores,
called ulcers, in the lining of the large intestine. The
debilitating disease can cause frequent bouts of bloody diarrhea and
pain and can lead to colon cancer. Although the cause is unknown,
many studies suggest that dietary factors, especially a diet high in
dairy products and low in fiber, may cause a flare-up of the disease.

Strong evidence has linked sulphur-containing foods to relapses of
the condition.

Now a study of 183 British people, all of whom have ulcerative
colitis and were in remission, takes a closer look at what foods
might trigger symptoms.

The participants were followed for a one-year study; their average
age was 51.

Researcher Sarah Jowett, of England's University of Newcastle, and
colleagues surveyed participants about the foods and portions they
ate using a food frequency questionnaire.

Food Findings

During the study, 52% had a colitis relapse.

Meat (especially red and processed meat), protein, and alcohol were
associated with an increased relapse risk.


According to a news release, the major meat eaters ate 100 grams or
more of meat per day, while the least carnivorous participants ate
50 grams of meat per day.

The type of meat was important. The people who ate the most red and
processed meats were more than five times as likely to relapse as
those who ate the least.

Alcohol consumption also mattered. Participants who drank the most
alcohol were more than 2.5 times as likely to relapse compared with
those who drank the least.

Those who drank the most alcohol, about two small glasses of wine
per day, were almost three times more likely to relapse compared
with those who drank one small glass of wine per day. A small glass
of wine contains about 4 ounces.

Debunking Myths

The study found no basis for two common beliefs about diet and
colitis relapse risk.

First, milk and dairy products were not associated with increased
relapse risk.

In addition, the researchers saw no protective benefit from
increased intake of dietary fiber.

Sulphur's Role

Sulphur might be at the heart of the matter.

"Consumption of large amounts of sulphur and sulphate were also
associated with an increased risk of relapse," write the researchers
in the October issue of the journal Gut.

Some high-protein foods, including red meat and processed meat, are
rich in sulphur. Many alcoholic drinks contain sulphates as
additives.

A sulphur-rich diet produces hydrogen sulphide, which damages the
lining of the intestine, say the researchers.

Overall, prior colitis activity is a more important predictor of
colitis remission than diet. The past can't be changed, but if
experts can identify lower-risk foods, patients could eat to reduce
their relapse risk.

But first, more work is needed on the topic, say the researchers.