It has led to confusion, upset and anger amongst many patients with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis many of whom have followed a healthy diet all their lives.
There has been no definitive scientific link made to any particular diet or food additive as being a sole cause of the disease. There are many possible reasons why a patient may develop Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis, including genetics and a range of environmental factors. Each patient's case is individual.
The reason for the increased numbers of hospital admissions over the last ten years may reflect the increasing numbers of patients, often young people, being diagnosed with IBD. An estimated 10,000 young people are diagnosed with Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis every year. The increased admissions figure may also reflect the fact that hospitals are improving their data information capture systems. However, we need more studies and information to offer a more definitive answer.
Crohn's and Colitis UK members and supporters have voiced their concern and understandable upset over the original report. We will continue to push for any inaccuracies to be corrected and ensure that, where possible, we take the opportunity to highlight the facts about Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and the everyday challenges of living with them.
Our expert's opinion
Professor Chris Probert is Gastroenterologist at the University of Liverpool and a Crohn's and Colitis UK Clinical Adviser. Watch his appearance on BBC News 24, responding to media reports that junk food is linked to Crohn's disease.
Apology from Dr Sally Mitton
Following the initial BBC Newsbeat report we spoke to Dr Sally Mitton asking for clarity regarding her interview. She gave us the opportunity to share with you her unedited view on the issue of junk food.
20th June 2014
First and foremost I would like to apologise for the distress that I have caused by what was shown on the BBC to all Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients. I was unable to respond more quickly to the reactions to this report due to very heavy clinical commitments. I feel that what I said and the subsequent coverage has been misinterpreted and I would like to clarify this now.
I said that Crohn’s disease occurs in those who are genetically susceptible and that the unexplained recent increase in numbers diagnosed amongst young people in the UK is likely to be related to life style. I did mention pre diagnosis diet and multiple courses of antibiotics as possible factors preceding the development of overt disease in some cases. I did not say that junk food or frequent courses of antibiotics CAUSE Crohn’s disease. I am very aware there are many patients with IBD who eat a very healthy and nutritious diet and have always done so before their diagnosis.
However, since the initial report on 18th of June there have been subsequent newspaper and television reports that focus on the assumption that Crohn’s Disease seems to be “caused” by junk food and multiple antibiotics. This is not my belief and is a distortion.
I did not mean to imply any element of self-infliction and I am appalled to think this could set back public perception of IBD or that sufferers might be blamed for their own pain and misfortune.
I would like to sincerely apologise again for the distress that my comments have caused.
Dr Sally Mitton
Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist
