Association of DASH and Mediterranean Diet Adherence with Phase Angle in Patients with Crohn’s Disease: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) are at increased risk of malnutrition, which may be reflected by reduced phase angle (PhA), a bioelectrical impedance marker of cellular integrity. This exploratory study investigated associations between Mediterranean and DASH diet adherence and PhA in adults with CD. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 39 adults with CD, mostly in clinical remission, from a Greek public hospital. PhA was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and dietary quality was assessed with the MedDietScore and an adapted DASH score; the primary exposure was a food-based DASH index (seven food-group components), and the full 10-component score was exploratory. Associations were examined with multiple linear regression models adjusted for sex and physical activity. Results: After adjustment for sex and physical activity, each one-point higher food-based DASH index was associated with a 0.29° higher PhA, with a 95% CI from −0.003 to 0.588 (n = 35). In exploratory analyses, the full score, which includes qualitatively scored nutrient components, was also positively associated with PhA (B = 0.230, 95% CI 0.042–0.418). No clear association was observed for the total MedDietScore or full-fat dairy consumption. Conclusions: In adults with CD, the adjusted estimate for DASH-type food choices and PhA was positive but imprecise. These hypothesis-generating findings require confirmation in longitudinal and interventional studies.
Source: Diseases
Language: English
Topic: Nutritional Studies and Diet
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W7225637886