In a related cohort study, the EPIC cohort, a healthy PDI correlated with a 29% reduced risk of IBD over a median follow-up of 14.5 years, while an unhealthy PDI was linked to a 54% increased risk.

James Lindsay, a professor of IBD, highlighted that while plant-based diets can be beneficial, not all are created equal, with ultra-processed foods potentially increasing the risk of Crohn's disease.

The study also considered genetic factors, noting that individuals with a family history of IBD may possess an increased genetic risk, potentially influencing the impact of diet.

Moreover, a healthy PDI was found to halve the risk of surgery for IBD patients, contrasting sharply with the doubled risk of surgery associated with an unhealthy PDI.

Despite these associations, Lindsay cautioned that the correlation between diet and disease outcomes does not guarantee that dietary changes will prevent disease, underscoring the necessity for controlled trials.

Findings revealed that participants adhering to a healthy plant-based diet index (PDI) experienced a 25% reduced risk of IBD, while those following an unhealthy PDI faced a staggering 48% increased risk.

Interestingly, the research found no significant associations between PDIs and other health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or overall mortality.

A comprehensive study analyzed data from nearly 530,000 participants across the UK Biobank and eight European countries, focusing on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Judith Wellens, a gastroenterology resident, stressed the importance of assessing the quality of plant-based foods, as their health outcomes can vary significantly.