A new approach to understanding inflammatory bowel disease: gut nutrition meets ion transport

Purpose This study aims to analyze the biological crosstalk between a diet rich in fiber, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal calcium channels such as Anoctamin 1(ANO1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1(TRPA1). Design/methodology/approach Based on a structured literature search conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Clarivate and Scopus databases by including combinations of keywords and MeSH terms. Findings The current study highlights the effects of SCFAs in an inflamed intestinal environment, as well as the mechanisms by which SCFAs regulate the inflammation and enhance the gut epithelial barrier against permeability. It also reviews current evidence about the relationship between low SCFAs production, the ion channel disorder and the progression of inflammatory symptoms in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Research limitations/implications This research is based on the available published evidence. Evidence linking dietary fiber, SCFAs, calcium channels, ANO1 and TRPA1 in IBD is limited. This calls for further studies to confirm potential therapeutic mechanisms. Originality/value This review concluded that integrating nutrition, microbiome and ionic conductivity represents a promising path in IBD and developing targeted therapies is more effective. Review recommendation intensifying clinical and molecular research in the future to understand the exact mechanisms for this triple reaction and identify the potential uses of SCFAs or their stimulants as a novel therapeutic agent.