Possible Causes And Complications Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ethnicity

Inflammatory bowel disease is most common in the Caucasian population, especially in individuals of northern European descent and within the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Although the reason for this increased risk is not known, one theory is these groups have been exposed to genes associated with the condition more than other groups have. Recent research indicates the ethnic gaps are narrowing, especially with the exposure of Westernized diets to many parts of the developing world. One study suggested African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to undergo surgery due to inflammatory bowel disease.