P0644Adults with Ulcerative Colitis commonly consume protein supplements: Interim analysis of an international survey

Background High protein diets including protein supplements are increasingly popular in Western societies for general health and optimisation of body composition. Excess animal protein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), yet protein supplement use in adults with UC has not been examined. This study aimed to determine the proportion of adults with UC habitually consuming protein supplements and examine perceptions and rationale for use. Methods Adults with a self-reported formal diagnosis of UC were recruited to a prospective international cross-sectional study between August 2024 and July 2025. Participants were recruited using snowball convenience sampling across Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada. Flyers were distributed via social media, email and outpatient clinics. Demographic data were collected with multiple-choice questions via REDCap electronic software. Perception data were collected using 5-point Likert scales. Participants who reported habitual consumption of protein supplements in the past 6-months completed additional multiple choice questions including type, frequency of use and adverse effects. Descriptive statistics were applied and data presented as median/ interquartile range (IQR) and number (n)/ percentage. Results Of 213 adults who responded to the survey, 137 (64%) were female, 118 (52%) were aged between 25-44 years and 115 (54%) were from Australia. The median disease duration was 7 years [IQR 3-16] and 158 (74%) were non-smokers. Of the 192 adults who provided perception data, protein supplements were perceived by 44% (85/192) as necessary to improve body composition and 45% (86/192) as helpful for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight (Figure 1). Forty-three percent (83/192) reported protein supplements could be safely added to habitual diet without advice from their inflammatory bowel disease team. Protein supplement use in the past 6-months was common (54%, 104/192) with majority consuming protein powders (81%, 84/104). Amongst the 94 adults who answered all questions regarding protein supplement use, majority (61%, 57/94) were consuming 4-7 times per week and choosing either animal or plant-based protein (Figure 2). Unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms were experienced by 55% (52/94). Conclusion Frequent consumption of protein supplements is common amongst adults with UC despite limited data on dosing and safety profile. Additional efforts are required to understand the benefit and safety profile of protein supplements in the UC population. Conflict of interest: Ms. Davis, Rachel: No conflict of interest Wall, Catherine: Grant: Health Research Council New Zealand Honorarium Pharamco Lomer, Miranda: Grant: Crohn’s and Colitis UK, GSTT charity, NIHR-HTA Personal Fees: Abbvie, Janssen, Mayoly Other: Course Director of low FODMAP courses for dietitians Armstrong, Heather: No conflict of interest Gibson, Peter: P.R.G is a consultant or advisory board member for Anatara, Atmo Biosciences, Topas and Comvita research grants for investigator-driven studies from Mindset Health, and speaker honoraria from Dr Falk Pharma and Mindset Health Pty Ltd. Shareholder in Atmo Biosciences. His salary derives from sales of a digital application (Monash University FODMAP diet app), patient booklets cookbooks and online courses all of which relate to the low FODMAP diet therapy. Bryant, Robert Venning: Robert V. Bryant has received grant/research support/speaker honoraria/advisory board fees from AbbVie, Ferring, Janssen, Shire, Takeda, GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Emerge Health and is a shareholder in Biomebank. Day, Alice: Research Support from The Hospital Research Foundation and Michelle McGrath Fellowship, consultancy fees from Biome Bank, Ferring, AbbVie.