TAKE HOME POINTS:
1.Use of diet as a therapeutic modality in patients with Crohn’s disease is a valid option, however, it is important to engage an IBD dedicated registered dietitian for guidance and to select the correct patient.
2.Patients with a history of an eating disorder should not be considered for a nutrition intervention, as this can worsen restrictive eating behaviors.
3.Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an option to help induce remission in mild to moderate Crohn’s disease in both pediatric and adult IBD patients. However, it is important to have a plan to re-introduce solid food and to maintain the remission, as EEN is not a durable/sustainable option long term.
4. The Crohn’s disease exclusion diet includes both solid food and formula and therefore may be easier to follow than exclusive enteral nutrition.
REFERENCES:
- Issokson, K., & Vasiliauskas, E. (2023). Exclusive Enteral Nutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Under-Appreciated Therapeutic Gem. PRACTICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY, 25.
- Fitzpatrick, J. A., Melton, S. L., Yao, C. K., Gibson, P. R., & Halmos, E. P. (2022). Dietary management of adults with IBD—the emerging role of dietary therapy. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 19(10), 652-669.
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