Why oxalate matters

Spinach, almonds and sweet potatoes are usually considered healthy foods. However a new study suggests that a natural compound found in these foods may cause problems for some people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Researchers from the UNC School of Medicine in the United States found that oxalate a natural compound found in many plant based foods may contribute to increased gut inflammation in people with IBD.

The study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology looked at oxalate levels in the gut tissues, diets and stool samples of people with IBD and healthy individuals.

Researchers also carried out tests on mice and cells.

What Happens to Oxalate in the body?

In healthy people most dietary oxalate passes through the digestive system and leaves the body in stool. However researchers found that people with IBD had lower levels of two important transporter proteins SLC26A2 and SLC26A3.

These proteins help control how oxalate moves through the intestines.  Lower levels were found in people with both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

More inflammation lower protein levels

The researchers also found a link between gut inflammation and these proteins.  The more severe the inflammation was the lower the levels of the transporter proteins appeared to be.

This may help scientists better understand why certain foods or nutrients can affect the gut differently in people with IBD.

Should IBD patients avoid these foods?

Not necessarily. The findings do not mean that everyone with IBD should stop eating spinach almonds sweet potatoes or other foods containing oxalate.

Food triggers can be different for each person. Anyone considering major diet changes should speak with a doctor or registered dietitian especially when managing IBD.