The Role of Maternal and Early-Life Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with debilitating symptoms and multifactorial etiology. Nutritional factors during adult life have been implicated in IBD pathogenesis. In addition, there is growing evidence that maternal and early-life diet may be associated with intestinal inflammation and colitis severity. The aim of the current review was to detect and critically appraise all evidence regarding the role of maternal and early-life diet on intestinal inflammation. Methods: We performed a thorough search of the literature across two databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect) using a variety of relevant terms. Results: A total of 23 studies, 16 experimental and 7 clinical, met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Experimental studies reveal that high-fat and high-protein diets during gestation and neonatal life induce gut dysbiosis, amplify intestinal inflammation, and exacerbate colitis. In addition, a variety of nutritional factors included in maternal diets may affect offspring's microbiota composition and intestinal health. Human studies concluded that maternal diet quality and the intake of fish and vegetables and of food fortified with vitamin D during gestation and early infancy significantly decreased IBD risk. However, human data are limited, and larger investigations are needed to further clarify the complex associations between specific nutritional compounds and intestinal inflammation. Conclusions: Dietary factors during pregnancy and early-life are involved in IBD pathogenesis, exerting either an exacerbating or protective effect. Improving pregnant women's dietary habits could be a cost-effective strategy to reduce future IBD burden.