LIVERPOOL, England—Soluble fibers found in plantains may curtail the mechanism involved in chronic inflammation in Crohn’s disease patients, according to new research results publicized by the University of Liverpool. Researchers are working with the biotech company Prvexis to develop a plantain-based food product that could help suffers of this disease.
Prior studies showed Crohn’s disease features sticky E.coli that penetrate the gut wall via M-cells, which are the gatekeepers to the lymphatic system. The Liverpudlian scientists discovered fibers from plantains prevented the uptake of E. coli across these M-cells; comparatively, they found polysorbate-80, a fat emulsifier used as a binder in processed food, had the opposite effect, encouraging the movement of bacteria through the M-cells. They are now conducting clinical tests to see if a medical food containing plantain fibers could help prevent relapse in Crohn’s patients currently in remission.
“Crohn’s disease affects people from all over the world, but it is much more prevalent in developed countries, where a diet of low fiber and processed foods is common,” said Jon Rhodes, M.D., gastroenterology professor at University of Liverpool and member of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). “There has been a rapid increase in incidence of the disease in Japan, for example, which now has more of a western processed food diet. Dietary factors and the increased numbers of E.coli in the intestine of Crohn’s patients suggested to us that there could be a link between the food that we eat and the transportation of bacteria in the body.”
Barry Campbell, Ph.D., from the University’s Institute of Translational Medicine, noted, “This research shows that different dietary components can have powerful effects on the movement of bacteria through the bowel. We have known for some time the general health benefits of eating plantain and broccoli, which are both high in vitamins and minerals, but until now we have not understood how they can boost the body’s natural defenses against infection common in Crohn’s patients. Our work suggests that it might be important for patients with this condition to eat healthily and limit their intake of processed foods.”