A review of associations between Crohn’s disease and consumption of sugars

Abstract

Objectives: To critically review the available literature reporting associations between the onset of Crohn’s disease and intakes of sugars or sugar-containing foods. To evaluate published evidence on the use of dietary manipulation of sugars in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.

Design: All publications from refereed journals which reported intakes of sugars and sugar-containing foods in the context of Crohn’s disease onset or treatment were selected.

Conclusion: Evidence suggesting a relationship between sugars and onset of Crohn’s disease was inconsistent and subject to important methodological limitations. There was a clear lack of distinction between reporting of current, as opposed to, retrospective intakes. There appeared to be no clinical advantage to the use of reduced sugar diets in Crohn’s disease treatment.

Sponsorship: The Sugar Bureau.