Prevalence of sarcopenia, myopenia, and malnutrition in Polish patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), can lead to malnutrition and sarcopenia due to inflammation, reduced dietary intake, and side effects of treatment.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia, myopenia, and malnutrition in Polish IBD patients using practical clinical tools, and to examine the relationship between patient nutritional knowledge and their nutritional status.

The study included 91 IBD patients (48 with CD, 43 with UC), aged 18-65 years. Sarcopenia was assessed using the SARC‑F questionnaire and 5‑times sit‑to‑stand test, while myopenia was evaluated using the fat‑free mass index. Nutritional status was determined based on body mass index (BMI), Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS‑2002) scale, biochemical parameters, and body composition analysis. A custom‑designed questionnaire was used to assess patient nutritional knowledge.

Malnutrition was identified in 22% (BMI) and 31.9% (NRS‑2002) of the patients. Hypoalbuminemia and low ferritin levels were observed in 64% and 38.3% of the participants, respectively. Sarcopenia was present in 24.3% (SARC‑F) and 17.6% (sit‑to‑stand test) of the patients, while myopenia was detected in 36.7%. Both were more frequent during active disease. Nutritional knowledge was adequate in 23% of the patients but showed no association with nutritional status or muscle mass. Biologic therapy was associated with better nutritional status.

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common in IBD, particularly during active disease. While biologic therapy may improve nutritional status, its effect on muscle mass is unclear. The lack of association between nutritional knowledge and clinical outcomes highlights the importance of continuous dietary support.