Launch of the GI Nutrition Foundation - Empowering Patients and Providers to Better Manage Gastrointestinal Disorders

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis have been continually increasing in the number of people affected. These chronic digestive conditions have a substantial impact on the quality of life of those affected and are also associated with considerable economic costs, including direct costs (e.g., healthcare services and medical management) and indirect costs (e.g., reduced work productivity and missed educational opportunities).^1-4

“Gastrointestinal diseases, by virtue of their effect on the body, affect an individual's ability to eat or maintain a normal nutritional status. Conversely, we are also learning that diet fundamentally affects many of the biological processes contributing to these diseases”.

- Ashwin Ananthakrishnan, M.P.H., M.B.B.S., M.D., gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital

Dietary interventions are the only treatment for celiac disease, and those affected by IBS, IBD, and eosinophilic esophagitis often show a preference for diet as part of care, perhaps explained by the fact that food can be a trigger of symptoms or because dietary management could be associated with fewer side effects than medical therapy.^5-7 However, despite considerable expansion in research on dietary strategies for gastrointestinal disorders in recent years, some nutrition and dietary recommendations have not shifted accordingly.⁸

The new GI Nutrition Foundation, formerly Nutritional Therapy for IBD, aims to fill the gap between evidence and practice in diet and IBD, IBS, celiac disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis. The goal is to provide a scientific, evidence-based, patient-centric resource on incorporating diet and nutrition for gastrointestinal health.

“It is time to feed our health, and the health of the people we care for. The GI Nutrition Foundation is an invaluable resource for both clinicians and patients.”

-Andrew S. Day, MB, ChB, MD, FRACP, pediatric gastroenterologist and Cure Kids Chair of Pediatric Research at the University of Otago, New Zealand

For each gastrointestinal disorder, the GI Nutrition Foundation covers causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and key components of integrated care, with a particular focus on practical, evidence-based dietary management strategies, including whole diets, foods, and some supplements, that improve quality of life and health outcomes.

“A challenge in incorporating diet in the management of gastrointestinal disorders is that evidence has often been viewed as anecdotal and most practitioners are not trained in having these conversations with patients. Gathering the highest level of evidence for dietary interventions and at the same time providing practical tips for incorporating such strategies in the management of patients overcomes both these limitations”.

-Ashwin Ananthakrishnan, M.P.H, M.B.B.S., M.D, gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital

For patients with gastrointestinal disorders, diet can accomplish different objectives. It is not just for underweight patients:

·   Disease prevention (i.e., dietary modifications for preventing immune-mediated inflammatory diseases)

·   Treatment of underlying causes (e.g., the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet plus specialized liquid nutrition formula can be used for induction and maintenance of Crohn’s disease)

·   Treatment of persistent digestive symptoms despite disease remission

·   Treatment of malnutrition and sarcopenia

·   Prevention of disease complications (e.g., dehydration, obstruction)

·   Improvement in overall wellness and cardiometabolic health (including obesity management)

·   Reduction of surgical complications

“Nutrition is an integral part of managing gastrointestinal conditions and promoting long-term wellbeing. We understand how challenging it can be to navigate food choices when eating itself may trigger symptoms, fear, or frustration. At the GI Nutrition Foundation our mission is to provide trusted, evidence-based guidance and practical tools so patients and providers feel supported, confident, and empowered. No one should have to face the complexities of eating with a gastrointestinal condition alone. We are here to help.”

-Kim Beall, GI Nutrition Foundation Cofounder and Managing Director

Nutrition and diet are foundational to managing gastrointestinal disorders, directly influencing underlying causes and alleviating symptoms. It is time to integrate evidence-based nutrition into digestive care. The GI Nutrition Foundation is here to provide resources, recipes, and research highlights for patients and clinicians.

References:

1. Burisch J, Claytor J, Hernandez I, et al. The cost of inflammatory bowel disease care: how to make it sustainable. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025; 23(3):386-395. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.06.049.

2. Bosman MHMA, Weerts ZZRM, Snijkers JTW, et al. The socioeconomic impact of irritable bowel syndrome: an analysis of direct and indirect health care costs. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023; 21(10):2660-2669. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.01.017.

3. Bozorg SR, Lee AR, Mårild K, et al. The economic iceberg of celiac disease: more than the cost of gluten-free food. Gastroenterology. 2024; 167(1):172-182. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.02.051.

4. Thel HL, Anderson C, Xue AZ, et al. Prevalence and costs of eosinophilic esophagitis in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025; 23(2):272-280.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.09.031.

5. Svolos V, Gordon H, Lomer MCE, et al. European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation consensus on dietary management of inflammatory bowel disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2025; 19(9):jjaf122. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaf122.

6. Whelan K, Ford AC, Burton-Murray H, et al. Dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome: considerations, challenges, and solutions. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024; 9(12):1147-1161. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00238-3.

7. Dellon ES, Muir AB, Katzka DA, et al. ACG clinical guideline: diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2025; 120(1):31-59. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000003194.

8. Dimidi E, Whelan K, Scott SM. Dietary guidelines for gastrointestinal disorders: key to optimizing practice but more work needed. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41575-025-01171-8.

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Andreu Prados is a science and medical writer specializing in making reliable evidence of non-prescription therapeutics for gastrointestinal conditions understandable, engaging and ready for use for healthcare professionals and patients.

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