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Cholesterol gallstone disease is a major health problem in Westernized countries
and depends on a complex interplay between genetic factors, lifestyle and diet, acting on specific
pathogenic mechanisms. Overweigh, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and altered
cholesterol homeostasis have been linked to increased gallstone occurrence, and several studies
point to a number of specific nutrients as risk- or protective factors with respect to gallstone
formation in humans. There is a rising interest in the identification of common and
modifiable dietetic factors that put the patients at risk of gallstones or that are able to prevent
gallstone formation and growth. In particular, dietary models characterized by increased energy
intake with highly refined sugars and sweet foods, high fructose intake, low fiber contents,
high fat, consumption of fast food and low vitamin C intake increase the risk of gallstone
formation. On the other hand, high intake of monounsaturated fats and fiber, olive oil
and fish (ω-3 fatty acids) consumption, vegetable protein intake, fruit, coffee, moderate alcohol
consumption and vitamin C supplementation exert a protective role.
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The effect of some confounding factors (e.g., physical activity) cannot be ruled out, but general
recommendations about the multiple beneficial effects of diet on cholesterol gallstones
must be kept in mind, in particular in groups at high risk of gallstone formation.
Alteration of gut microbiota in association with cholesterol gallstone formation in mice
