Diet and gut inflammation

The interaction between diet and inflammation is complex, because of the many ways that food alters the composition of the intestinal lumen. inflammatory reactions comprise a wide variety of responses. Thus, the scope for diversity in the interactions between nutrition and inflammation is vast. Despite this, there has recently been progress in specific areas, The past year has seen the publication of controlled trials of fish oils in Crohn's disease. One study from Italy shows a benefit for the constituent oils, mainly n-3 fatty acids. However, a second study from Germany did not show similar benefit. Short-chain fatty acids have many actions on the intestine. They have been used as enemas in ulcerative colitis. Large studies have now been performed but appear less promising than earlier small studies, The review also describes progress on enteral feeds as a treatment for Crohn's disease, The effects of nutrients on the epithelial barrier are also discussed.