Natural food compound may aggravate gut inflammation in IBD patients
Researchers found that people with inflammatory bowel disease have lower levels of two transporter proteins that move oxalate out of the gut, leaving more oxalate in the intestine. This may contribute to inflammation, as seen in experiments with mice and cultured cells. The findings suggest that lower-oxalate diets or microbiome-based treatments could help manage IBD.
The study compared gene activity, stool oxalate levels, and dietary patterns between IBD patients and healthy controls. Two transporter proteins, SLC26A2 and SLC26A3, which normally move oxalate out of the intestine, were found at reduced levels in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease tissue, with expression dropping further as inflammation increased.
Crohn's patients showed higher stool oxalate than controls despite similar plant consumption, verified through both a dietary questionnaire and DNA metabarcoding of plant species in stool. Mouse experiments reinforced the connection, as oxalate-supplemented diets combined with a colitis-inducing substance reduced survival by 60 percent.
This finding could reshape dietary guidance for the millions living with IBD, who may currently consume oxalate-rich "healthy" foods like spinach and almonds without knowing they might worsen inflammation. If confirmed, low-oxalate diets or microbiome-based therapies could become practical management tools. However, individual responses likely vary, and patients should consult clinicians before making dietary changes, since these foods also offer nutritional benefits.