Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
Vitamin and mineral supplement adherence in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Rachel Neff Greenley1, Kaila A Stephens, Eve U Nguyen
1Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA. rachel.greenley@rosalindfranklin.edu
Objective:
Although vitamin and mineral supplementation for nutritional deficiencies is a common component of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, little is known about supplement adherence in this group. This study described adherence to multivitamin, iron, and calcium supplements among 49 youth aged 11-18 years with IBD. Additionally, the study examined relationships between supplement knowledge and adherence.
Methods:
Participants completed supplement adherence ratings using a validated interview. Knowledge was assessed using an open-ended question from the same interview; responses were later categorized into 1 of 3 knowledge sophistication categories (low, moderate, or high).
Results:
Mean adherence rates ranged from 32 to 44% across supplements. Youth who did not know the reason for supplementation (approximately 25% of the sample) displayed substantially poorer adherence than did those with moderate or high levels of knowledge, across all supplements.
Conclusions:
Findings highlight the importance of evaluating and addressing nonadherence to vitamin and mineral supplements in youth with pediatric IBD.
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