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Who Do Crohn's Symptoms Sometimes Persist? - HealthCentral
Some people with Crohn’s have ongoing GI symptoms despite little visible inflammation. This study suggests the gut microbiome—particularly sulfur-producing bacteria—may be a reason, and diet could be a potential target under investigation.
Adults with Crohn’s or IBD who report persistent GI symptoms despite low inflammation, gastroenterologists, dietitians, and researchers studying the microbiome or dietary therapies.
What To Know
New research reported in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that people with quiescent IBD who still have GI symptoms had higher levels of sulfur-producing (sulfidogenic) bacteria in their gut microbiome.
The article explains that excess hydrogen sulfide from these microbes may disrupt gut function and contribute to symptoms like pain, bloating, and diarrhea even when endoscopy shows little or no inflammation.
Researchers are starting a pilot study to test whether a low-sulfur diet can reduce symptoms in these patients, and clinicians in the piece recommend discussing dietary changes with a gastroenterologist and dietitian.
The story is based on a small University of Michigan study comparing 39 people with persistent symptoms and low inflammation to 40 people without persistent symptoms; it links findings to prior work from the same group. The article lists foods higher and lower in sulfur and notes that dietary approaches are being studied but are not yet proven.
This article summarizes research findings and expert commentary; it does not provide clinical guidance or definitive treatment recommendations. Talk with your care team before making diet or medication changes.
The study is small and observational; findings are preliminary. A pilot trial of a low-sulfur diet is beginning, so there is not yet high-quality evidence that dietary sulfur restriction will improve symptoms. Consult clinicians before changing diet or treatment.
