Remission induction in refractory Crohns disease using a high calorie whole diet

Eleven patients with severe refractory Crohns disease were treated with a high calorie, whole diet. Eight patients achieved remission with a drop in DAS from 13 to 4 (t = 6.31, p less than 0.001) and reversal of subacute obstruction in all cases. Nutritional parameters including weight, triceps skinfold thickness, arm muscle area, and serum albumin increased in all patients. The diet was well tolerated with a mean treatment period of 20 days. Clinical relapse of disease occurred in all cases within 9 months (mean 6 +/- 2 months). The mechanism of action of a high calorie diet (HCD) is unclear and warrants further study but antigen or specific food exclusion does not appear to be required as judged by this study.