Spinach, beetroot, and almonds—staples of the modern wellness diet—may carry an unexpected biological cost for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
A Closer Look at Oxalate Levels in Crohn’s Patients
Published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, a recent investigation led by researchers from the University of North Carolina focuses on oxalates. These are naturally occurring substances present in many plant-based foods that the body typically eliminates as waste.
The study compared dietary intake and fecal oxalate levels among 46 participants, including individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, one of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s patients exhibited higher levels of oxalates in their stool despite consuming similar quantities of plant-based foods as healthy participants.
Gene Activity and Absorption Differences in Crohn’s Patients
Investigators examined proteins responsible for helping the gut absorb oxalates. Tissue samples taken from patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis showed that genes producing these transport proteins displayed lower activity levels.
In a group of 131 individuals with Crohn’s disease, researchers found a direct link between reduced activity in the oxalate transporter gene and increased disease severity.
Animal Trials and Immune System Responses
During experiments involving mice with intestinal inflammation, introducing extra dietary oxalates accelerated weight loss, raised inflammation levels, and prolonged the inflammatory response. These additions also correlated with lower survival rates among the test subjects.
Laboratory tests indicated that oxalates can stimulate the immune system to heighten its inflammatory response. However, researchers noted that diet represents only one of several factors influencing inflammatory bowel disease and that broader studies are necessary to identify which individuals are most vulnerable to these compounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxalates and Bowel Inflammation
Should patients with inflammatory bowel disease stop eating spinach and almonds?
The study does not advise avoiding foods rich in oxalates. Researchers emphasize that diet is just one factor among many affecting inflammatory bowel disease, and further broad research is required before dietary changes are recommended.
How did researchers measure oxalate levels in participants?
Investigators compared dietary intake records and fecal samples from 46 participants, which included individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s disease alongside healthy control subjects.
What happened to mice with intestinal inflammation when given extra oxalates?
Mice fed extra oxalates experienced accelerated weight loss, higher and longer-lasting inflammation levels, and reduced survival rates during the experiments.