The role of dietary supplements in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review

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#andrographis #boswellia #curcumin #dietary-supplements #digestive-system-surgical-procedures

The role of dietary supplements in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review

Rossi et al., 2016 | Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol | Systematic Review

Citation

Rossi Roberta E, Whyand Tara, ... Caplin Martyn E. The role of dietary supplements in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016-Dec;28(12):1357-1364

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic immune disorders of unclear aetiology. Dietary deficiencies may be a potential pathogenic factor in their development. Patients often take food supplements without knowledge of any evidence base. We have therefore assessed the evidence for food supplementation in the management of IBD. A PubMed search was performed for the terms Inflammatory bowel disease; nutritional deficiencies; dietary supplements; curcumin; green tea; vitamin D/other vitamins; folic acid; iron; zinc; probiotics; andrographis paniculata; and boswellia serrate. PubMed was used to search for all relevant articles published between January 1975 and September 2015. Curcumin supplementation has been reported to be effective in reducing the symptoms and the inflammatory indices in IBD patients. Similar results have been observed for green tea; however, pertinent studies are limited. Vitamin D supplementation may help to increase bone mineral density in IBD patients and to reduce disease activity. IBD patients with ileal resections higher than 20 cm may develop vitamin B12 deficiency that requires parenteral supplementation. There is no current evidence to support fat-soluble vitamin supplementation in IBD patients. Zinc and iron should be supplemented in selected cases. Probiotics (VSL#3) may reduce disease activity in IBD patients with pouchitis. Complementary and alternative medicines are used by IBD patients and some studies have shown promising results. In summary, attention to dietary factors such as curcumin, green tea and vitamins, including vitamins D and B12, appears to be beneficial and, if necessary, supplementation may be appropriate.

Key Findings

In summary, attention to dietary factors such as curcumin, green tea and vitamins, including vitamins D and B12, appears to be beneficial and, if necessary, supplementation may be appropriate.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population ileal resections higher than
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Andrographis
  • Boswellia
  • Curcumin
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures
  • Folic Acid
  • Humans
  • Ileum
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
  • Iron
  • Malnutrition
  • Plant Preparations
  • Probiotics
  • Tea
  • Trace Elements
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Vitamins
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: green-tea

Provenance

  • PMID: 27769076
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09