Cure8 research brief
This review summarizes many observational studies to identify dietary and environmental factors that may influence the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, which could help guide future research and prevention efforts for people at risk of IBD.
Adult patients at risk for or newly diagnosed with UC, clinicians counseling about lifestyle/diet, and researchers focused on environmental determinants of IBD.
This Frontiers in Nutrition systematic review and meta-analysis pooled observational studies to examine dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors linked with developing ulcerative colitis (UC).
The authors searched major databases through November 12, 2025, and included 30 observational studies covering multiple exposures (diet, smoking, antibiotics, breastfeeding, surgery, etc.).
The review reports several associations: higher reported antibiotic exposure, daily egg intake, family history of IBD, and former smoking were linked with higher UC risk; pet exposure, coffee, appendectomy, higher education, light alcohol use, and fruit intake were linked with lower risk.
Evidence quality was judged low overall, and some associations (for example, current smoking) differed between study designs. The authors call for more prospective and mechanistic studies to clarify causality and modifiable risks.
This summary is based on the article abstract and provided study registration; Cure8 has not reviewed the full underlying studies.
Findings come from observational studies with low overall certainty; associations should not be interpreted as proof of causation. The review authors recommend further prospective and mechanistic studies. The Cure8 brief is grounded in the article abstract and registration information.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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