Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are two similar but distinct disorders. Both conditions are caused by an abnormally exuberant immune reaction that triggers inflammation in the lining of your intestine, and both tend to wax and wane over time. However, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon, whereas Crohn's disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. Nutrient deficiencies, which primarily involve vitamins, minerals and fats, are more prominent in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis.
Malabsorption
The cause of IBD is unknown. "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy" cites an inappropriate immune response to normal intestinal microorganisms that stimulates the release of inflammatory molecules from white cells in the gut lining. These chemicals damage the lining of your intestine, which leads to malabsorption of nutrients and excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes via the stool. According to a 2003 review in "European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology," certain dietary factors, such as long-chain fatty acids, aggravate gut inflammation in IBD.
Coconut Oil
Medium-chain fatty acids, or MCFAs, are a particular type of fatty acid that can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream from your intestine. This distinguishes them from long-chain fatty acids, which must be absorbed via the lymphatic system in your gut, reassembled into triglycerides and routed to your liver for metabolism. MCFAs, in the form of medium-chain triglyceride oil, have been used by physicians for decades to help people who have problems absorbing fats, such as premature infants. Coconut oil is predominantly composed of medium-chain fatty acids.
MCFAs in IBD
People with inflammatory bowel disease often develop deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins, because these nutrients are best absorbed in association with dietary fat. However, fat consumption can make IBD worse. In the September 2003 "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care," investigators reported that low-fat diets with supplementary medium-chain triglycerides helped to reduce intestinal inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease.
Considerations
IBD is a recurrent disorder whose exact cause is unknown. Dietary factors, such as high fat intake, can trigger or worsen IBD symptoms. Medium-chain fatty acids, such as those found in coconut oil or MCT oil, may be of benefit for some IBD sufferers. However, several organizations, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, have recommended against the routine use of coconut oil due to its saturated fat content. If you suffer from IBD, check with your doctor to see if coconut oil is appropriate for you.
References
- "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition: Inflammatory Bowel Disease"; Mark H. Beers, M.D., Editor-in-Chief; 2006
- "European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; Dietary Fat Attenuates the Benefits of an Elemental Diet in Active Crohn's Disease: A Randomized, Controlled Trial; T. Bamba, et al.; February 2003
- "Staying Healthy with Nutrition: Lipids -- Fats and Oils"; Elson M. Haas, M.D.; 2006
- "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care"; Nutritional and Metabolic Issues in Inflammatory Bowel Disease; E. Cabré, M.A. Gassull; September 2003
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010
