Advances in Nutrition of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are multifactorial disorders whose aetiology and pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated. Their occurrence is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Amongst the environmental factors, proper diet seems to be crucial, both in the healthy population and in patients during disease exacerbations and remissions. Depending on their severity, duration and extent of inflammatory lesions, IBD exacerbations result in some dietary deficits. Appropriate supplementation can effectively correct the deficits; in some cases, mainly in CD, nutritional therapy can be equally effective for inducing remissions as pharmacotherapy. Enteral feeding is recommended in each case without important contraindications for its use. Counteracting the caloric, protein and microelement deficiencies is pivotal for inhibition of disease pathogenesis and for enhancement of the antiinflammatory response of the organism. The present paper is to present simply review and analyse of recent reports regarding nutrition in patients with CD and UC as well as to discuss recommended nutritional management in certain IBD course-associated conditions. Nutritional therapy is a key element of management of IBD patients.