This common medication could increase your risk of inflammatory bowel disease by 50%

People over the age of 40 who use antibiotics frequently could be increasing their risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A recent study predicts an increase in the number of people with IBD conditions including Crohn’s disease and colitis.

Cumulative risk

A team of researchers from New York University, USA and Aalborg University, Denmark examined data on more than six million Danish people from age 10 and above. They found that exposure to antibiotics was associated with an increased risk of IBD for all age-groups.

They also discovered that the risk was highest among people aged 40 years and older (46% risk), increasing with every dose of antibiotics taken. In the study published in the journal, Gut, the researchers wrote:

We also observed an increased risk for developing IBD 4–5 years after exposure. This may be the result of persisting changes in the microbial environment as a result of antibiotic use, which ultimately contribute to the development of IBD.

The study data also revealed that the risk was highest following the use of antibiotics commonly used for gastrointestinal pathogens.

Inflammatory bowel disease

According to the Telegraph, more than 500,000 people in the UK suffer from either Crohn’s or colitis – both inflammatory bowel diseases – which affect different parts of the gut. Genetics and family history are risk factors, but lifestyle and environmental factors such as diet and smoking can also increase your risk, Dr Laila Tata, co-author of that study by the University of Nottingham and Crohn’s and Colitis UK told the Telegraph.

There's definitely differences in genetic susceptibility. It's been found to be diagnosed increasingly in line with urbanisation and Westernisation which indicates these factors are slightly increasing the diagnosis rate.

She added that some people may be living with the condition ‘without having it diagnosed.'

Sources used:

Telegraph UK: Over-40s who take antibiotics nearly 50pc more likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease

Study Finds: Taking antibiotics regularly disrupts gut health, increases risk of developing IBD

Healthline: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Frequent Antibiotic Use May Increase Risk