Article Name: Evidence for Dietary Fibre Modification in the Recovery and Prevention of Reoccurrence of Acute, Uncomplicated Diverticulitis: A Systematic Literature Review
Diverticulitis is characterized by the sudden inflammation or infection of the diverticula in the colon’s wall. Treatment often requires hospitalization, where patients receive intravenous antibiotics, adjustments to dietary fiber, and close monitoring. The rates of diverticulitis, along with related hospital admissions, are increasing, largely due to risk factors such as aging, increased abdominal fat, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diet quality.
This systematic review seeks to evaluate existing evidence and provide recommendations on dietary fiber changes—either alone or in combination with probiotics or antibiotics—compared to other approaches for adults with acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis or those who have recently recovered. The review included eight studies. The quality of evidence comparing a liberal fiber diet to a restricted one during hospitalization was deemed “very low,” showing little impact on hospital stays, recovery, gastrointestinal symptoms, or recurrence. Similarly, the evidence for a high-fiber diet versus standard or low-fiber diets in reducing recurrence and symptoms after an acute episode was also rated as “very low.”
Based on the findings of this review and a GRADE assessment, there is a conditional recommendation for adults with acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis to adopt liberalized diets instead of strict restrictions. Furthermore, a strong recommendation is made for following a high-fiber diet in line with dietary guidelines after the acute phase has passed, whether or not fiber supplements are included.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5852713/
