Onset of Ulcerative Colitis during a Low-Carbohydrate Weight-Loss Diet and Treatment with a Plant-Based Diet: A Case Report.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the potential adverse effects of a low-carbohydrate diet (Atkins) and the therapeutic effects of a plant-based/semivegetarian diet on ulcerative colitis.
Results Summary
The study found that a low-carbohydrate diet may trigger ulcerative colitis, while a plant-based/semivegetarian diet led to remission of symptoms without medication.
Population
A 36-year-old man (172 cm, 72 kg) with ulcerative colitis.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified (during hospitalization)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Atkins diet | decrease | body weight | - | - | reduces | #1 |
Atkins diet | decrease | colonic health | - | - | detrimental to | #2 |
low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet | decrease | weight | a man, 172 cm in height and weighing 72 kg, at age 36 years | 66 kg | decreased | #3 |
low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet | increase | ulcerative colitis | a man, 172 cm in height and weighing 72 kg, at age 36 years | - | developed | #4 |
plant-based/semivegetarian diet | decrease | bloody stool | a man, 172 cm in height and weighing 72 kg, at age 36 years | - | disappeared | #5 |
plant-based/semivegetarian diet | increase | remission without medication for inflammatory bowel disease | a man, 172 cm in height and weighing 72 kg, at age 36 years | - | achieved | #6 |
Overweight and obesity are global health concerns. Various effective weight-loss diets have been developed, including the Atkins diet. The Atkins diet is known as an extreme low-carbohydrate diet. This diet reduces body weight and has gained widespread popularity. However, the metabolite profiles of such a diet have been shown to be detrimental to colonic health. Therefore, a concern for the long-term health effects of this diet exists. We encountered a case in which ulcerative colitis developed while the patient was following the Atkins diet.A man, 172 cm in height and weighing 72 kg, at age 36 years followed a low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet. His weight decreased to 66 kg as desired. Thereafter he noticed bloody stool. Colonoscopy revealed diffuse inflammation limited to the rectum, and he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. He underwent an educational hospitalization for ulcerative colitis. A plant-based/semivegetarian diet was provided during hospitalization. Bloody stool disappeared during hospitalization and he achieved remission without medication for inflammatory bowel disease.This case indicates that an onset of ulcerative colitis can be an adverse event to a low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet.