Animal Protein Increases IBD Risk in Women

CEDEX, France High protein intake is associated with an increased risk of incident IBD in French middle-aged women, according to a recent French study (Am J Gastroenterol . May 11, 2010). The Etude Épidémiologique des femmes de la Mutuelle Générale de lEducation Nationale cohort consisted of women living in France, aged 40 to 65 years, and free of major diseases at inclusion. A self-administered questionnaire was used to record dietary habits at baseline. Questionnaires on disease occurrence and lifestyle factors were completed every 24 months. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) were assessed in each questionnaire until June 2005, and subsequently validated using clinical and pathological criteria.

Among 67,581 participants, researchers validated 77 incident IBD cases. High total protein intake, specifically animal protein, was associated with a significantly increased risk of IBD. Among sources of animal protein, high consumption of meat or fish, but not of eggs or dairy products was associated with IBD risk.