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Nutrition and gastrointestinal disease
1Gastrointestinal Clinic, Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Nutrition and gut health are linked. Malnutrition worsens gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, while specific nutrients can prevent or treat conditions like Crohn's disease and coeliac disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Intestinal function is crucial for nutrient absorption and life maintenance.
- Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases often lead to malnutrition, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Malnutrition impairs digestive and absorptive functions due to reduced trophic support and building blocks for gut cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between nutrition and intestinal function.
- To highlight how GI diseases impact nutritional status and vice versa.
- To discuss the therapeutic and preventive roles of nutrition in GI disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on nutrition and GI disease.
- Analysis of the impact of malnutrition on digestive and absorptive functions.
- Examination of specific nutrients and dietary factors in GI disease prevention and treatment.
Main Results:
- 50-70% of Crohn's disease patients are weight-depleted; 75% of adolescents experience growth retardation.
- Severe weight loss (>30%) significantly reduces pancreatic enzyme secretion and impairs nutrient absorption.
- Dietary factors like fiber, glutamine, and fish oils may prevent conditions such as diverticulitis and colitis.
Conclusions:
- Nutrition plays a vital supportive and therapeutic role in managing chronic GI diseases.
- Modern nutritional support can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with GI disorders.
- Dietary manipulation is effective in treating and preventing GI conditions like coeliac disease and Crohn's disease.