How to get protein with ulcerative colitis?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

People with ulcerative colitis (UC) often have an increased need for protein, especially during active disease, to combat malnutrition and aid healing. Getting enough protein can be challenging due to symptoms and reduced appetite, making careful dietary choices essential for managing this inflammatory bowel disease.

Quick Summary

Finding suitable protein sources is crucial for managing ulcerative colitis. Dietary needs vary during flares and remission, requiring different approaches to protein intake. Lean meats, fish, eggs, and specific plant-based options are generally recommended. Certain protein powders can also be helpful, while red and processed meats should be limited.

Key Points

Increase Protein During Flares: The body's protein needs increase during active ulcerative colitis to aid healing and combat nutrient loss due to inflammation and diarrhea.
Choose Easy-to-Digest Sources: During flare-ups, opt for low-fiber, well-cooked, and blended protein options like eggs, lean poultry, and fatty fish to minimize irritation.
Diversify Protein in Remission: When in remission, gradually expand your protein sources to include cooked legumes, smooth nut butters, and fermented dairy (if tolerated) for better nutrient variety.
Select Protein Powders Carefully: If using supplements, consider plant-based pea protein or whey isolate with added psyllium husk; always check for additives and consult a doctor first.
Limit Inflammatory and Processed Foods: Reduce intake of red meat, processed meats, and high-fat dairy, as these can sometimes worsen symptoms or promote inflammation.
Consult a Professional: Work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan, especially before using supplements.

Why protein is important for managing ulcerative colitis

Protein plays a vital role in healing the body and maintaining muscle mass, which is often compromised during an ulcerative colitis (UC) flare. During active inflammation, the body's need for protein increases, while nutrient malabsorption and reduced appetite can make intake difficult. A sufficient protein intake supports the repair of intestinal mucosa, boosts immune function, and helps maintain overall nutritional status.

Excellent protein sources during a flare-up

During a flare, the focus should be on low-fiber, easily digestible proteins to avoid irritating the inflamed colon. Smooth, blended, and well-cooked options are often best tolerated.

Low-fiber animal proteins

Eggs: Versatile and easy to digest, eggs are a great source of high-quality protein. Try them scrambled or hard-boiled.
Poultry: Well-cooked, tender chicken and turkey, especially white meat, are excellent lean protein choices. Avoid fried or fatty versions.
Fish: Oily fish like salmon and tuna provide protein along with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Baked or steamed preparations are ideal.

Plant-based options (well-prepared)

Tofu: Firm tofu is a good source of plant-based protein that is generally well-tolerated. It can be scrambled or baked for a soft texture.
Legumes (mashed and peeled): Lentils and chickpeas can be included if peeled and well-mashed into soups or hummus, which some people tolerate.
Smooth nut butters: Peanut, almond, or walnut butter (without chunks) can be added to smoothies or refined grains for a protein boost.

Liquid and supplement options

Protein Shakes: Ready-to-drink options can be a convenient way to get nutrients. Plant-based shakes from brands like OWYN or Kate Farms are often dairy-free and can be easier to digest.
Bone Broth: Provides a liquid source of protein and other nutrients, which can be soothing during a flare.

Managing protein during remission

When symptoms are in remission, a wider variety of protein sources can typically be reintroduced. Diversifying your diet helps ensure a broader range of nutrients.

Diverse protein sources for remission

Lean Meats: Continue with lean poultry and fish, but in remission, some may tolerate small, lean cuts of red meat. Choose fish over red meat more often.
Fermented Dairy (if tolerated): Plain Greek yogurt and kefir contain probiotics that can support gut health and are often lower in lactose than milk.
Legumes: In remission, you can experiment with well-cooked lentils, beans, and edamame, paying attention to your individual tolerance for fiber.
Nuts and Seeds: Can be reintroduced, starting with ground flaxseed or chia seeds and progressing to whole nuts if tolerated.

How to choose a protein powder

Protein powders can help supplement intake, but it's crucial to choose wisely to avoid triggering symptoms. Different powders are suited for different dietary needs.

Comparison of popular protein powders for UC


Powder Type	Pros	Cons	Best For	Considerations
Whey Protein Isolate	High protein, easy absorption	Contains lactose (can be irritating)	Those without lactose sensitivity	Choose an isolate to minimize lactose; may improve gut barrier function.
Whey + Psyllium Husk	Psyllium may aid regularity	Can cause gas/bloating initially	People with UC-related constipation	May improve digestibility and gut microbiota.
Pea Protein	Plant-based, lactose-free, anti-inflammatory	Can cause gas in some people	Vegans or lactose-intolerant individuals	A solid dairy-free alternative; monitor for gas.
Casein Protein	Slow, steady release of amino acids	Contains lactose, may feel 'heavier'	Best for sustained release (overnight)	Test tolerance carefully; like whey, contains dairy.

Important considerations and strategies

Avoid Trigger Foods: For some, high-fat, processed red meats, and full-fat dairy can be inflammatory or hard to digest.
Moderate Intake: While protein is essential, extremely high protein diets might be detrimental to intestinal healing, especially during a flare. Follow a moderate, balanced approach.
Keep a Food Journal: Tracking foods and symptoms helps identify personal triggers and tolerated options.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or adding supplements.

Conclusion

Optimizing protein intake is a dynamic process for those with ulcerative colitis, requiring different strategies during flares and remission. By focusing on easily digestible, nutrient-dense protein sources during active disease and reintroducing a wider variety of lean proteins during remission, individuals can support healing and maintain overall health. Carefully selecting protein powders and monitoring personal tolerance are also key steps in this journey. The goal is to provide the body with the necessary building blocks for repair while minimizing digestive distress, ensuring that nutrition aids, rather than hinders, recovery. For further details on managing diet with IBD, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offers comprehensive nutritional guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Intake of red and processed meats has been associated with a higher risk of ulcerative colitis flares. It is generally recommended to limit red meat and choose lean poultry and fish more often.

Plant-based pea protein and whey protein isolate (if dairy is tolerated) are often recommended. Some whey options with added psyllium husk may improve digestibility. Always choose powders without artificial sweeteners or fillers.

Yes, eggs are a versatile, nutrient-dense, and easily digestible protein source that is well-tolerated by most people with ulcerative colitis.

During active disease, protein needs increase, with recommendations often being 1.2–1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. During remission, the recommendation is typically closer to 1 gram per kilogram.

In remission, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and smooth nut butters are generally well-tolerated. During a flare, whole nuts and seeds are often avoided due to their high insoluble fiber content.

If appetite is low, nutrient-dense, liquid options like bone broth and protein shakes can be helpful. Smoothies with tolerated fruits, vegetables, and protein powder can also be an easy way to get calories and protein.

If dairy is tolerated, plain Greek yogurt with live cultures can be a good protein source. It is often lower in lactose and contains probiotics that may benefit gut health. Some people, especially during flares, may be more sensitive to dairy.