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Nutrition in Crohn disease
Karen L Krok1, Gary R Lichtenstein
1Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4283, USA.
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|February 11, 2005
Summary
Malnutrition is common in Crohn disease, impacting immunity and healing. Nutritional therapy is crucial for managing Crohn disease by preventing and correcting nutrient deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Crohn disease significantly impacts patient nutrition, with high rates of malnutrition in both hospitalized and outpatient settings.
- Malnutrition in Crohn disease can persist even during remission, affecting critical physiological functions.
- Multiple factors contribute to malnutrition, including reduced intake, malabsorption, drug-nutrient interactions, and protein loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of nutrition in Crohn disease management.
- To emphasize the prevalence and consequences of malnutrition in Crohn disease patients.
- To underscore the importance of nutritional therapy in addressing nutrient deficiencies.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nutrition and Crohn disease.
- Analysis of factors contributing to malnutrition in Crohn disease.
- Synthesis of evidence on the impact of nutritional interventions.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of malnutrition (2/3 to 3/4 hospitalized, 1/4 outpatient) in Crohn disease.
- Malnutrition affects growth, immunity, bone density, and wound healing.
- Specific nutrient deficiencies and protein-calorie malnutrition are common.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional therapy is an essential component of Crohn disease management.
- Preventing and correcting nutrient deficiencies improves patient outcomes.
- Addressing malnutrition is key to mitigating morbidity associated with Crohn disease.