A NEW study highlighted the potential of the Mediterranean diet (MED) to improve outcomes in newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease (CD). Researchers followed 271 patients with CD, assessing their diet, clinical progress, and inflammatory markers, while also analysing their gut microbiota and metabolite profiles.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlated with a milder disease course and reduced levels of key inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin. Patients who maintained higher adherence showed lower disease activity over time and healthier gut microbiota, with an increase in beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium. In contrast, lower adherence was associated with harmful species such as Escherichia coli and Ruminococcus gnavus.
The study also found that adherence to MED led to lower levels of primary bile acids and inflammatory metabolites, alongside increased levels of plant-derived nutrients and short-chain fatty acids. These findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses underlying inflammation and microbial imbalances.
The researchers emphasised the need for randomised controlled trials to confirm these results and explore MED as a therapeutic strategy for Crohn’s disease management.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Godny L et al. Mechanistic implications of the Mediterranean diet in patients with newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease- multi-omic results from a prospective cohort. Gastroenterology. 2025;DOI:10 .1053/j.gastro.2024.12.031.
