Comprehensive review of nutritional strategies for patients with ulcerative colitis reported in worldwide articles between 2019 and 2024: A literature review

Objective: To review and analyze scientific evidence on dietary strategies used in patients with ulcerative colitis between 2019 and 2024, focusing on their effectiveness, clinical impact, and adaptability to the Colombian population.

Design: Comprehensive literature review of publications indexed in PubMed, Scielo, Redalyc, Plos One, and Elsevier, following evidence-based medicine criteria and PRISMA guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion of studies published between 2019–2024, open-access, in English or Spanish, with adult patients (18–56 years) diagnosed with ulcerative colitis confirmed by endoscopy or histopathology. Excluded were case reports, incomplete follow-ups, and studies without dietary intervention assessment.

Information Sources: Scientific databases PubMed, Scielo, Redalyc, Plos One, and Elsevier using Boolean combinations of descriptors related to “ulcerative colitis,” “nutrition,” “inflammatory bowel disease,” and “diet.”

Results: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The Mediterranean, low-FODMAP, and autoimmune diets were identified as the most effective. Each showed benefits in symptom control, microbial balance, and inflammatory marker reduction. Adaptations for Latin American populations are feasible through local food substitutions.

Conclusions: Diet plays a fundamental role in ulcerative colitis management. Personalized nutritional approaches based on the Mediterranean, low-FODMAP, or autoimmune diet can complement pharmacological treatment, improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.