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©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 21, 2008; 14(27): 4420-4423
Published online Jul 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4420
Published online Jul 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4420
Nutritional therapy for active Crohn’s disease
Paul A Smith, Specialist Registrar in Gastroenterology, North Manchester General Hospital, Gastroenterology Department, Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M8 5RB, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Smith PA wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Paul A Smith, Specialist Registrar in Gastroenterology, North Manchester General Hospital, Gastroenterology Department, Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M8 5RB, United Kingdom. paulsmith5050@hotmail.com
Telephone: +1-61-9240420
Received: April 26, 2008
Revised: July 7, 2008
Accepted: July 14, 2008
Published online: July 21, 2008
Revised: July 7, 2008
Accepted: July 14, 2008
Published online: July 21, 2008
Abstract
Nutritional therapy for active Crohn’s disease (CD) is an underutilized form of treatment in adult patients, though its use is common in the paediatric population. There is evidence that nutritional therapy can effectively induce remission of CD in adult patients. Enteral nutrition therapy is safe and generally well tolerated. Meta-analysis data suggest that corticosteroids are superior to nutritional treatment for induction of remission in active CD. However, the potential side effects of such pharmacotherapy must be taken into consideration. This review examines the evidence for the efficacy of elemental and polymeric diets, and the use of total parenteral nutrition in active CD.
Keywords: Crohn’s disease; Nutrition; Dietary; Treatment; Steroids