A cross-sectional study on nutrient intake and -status in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Jona B Vidarsdottir,Sigridur E Johannsdottir,Alfons Ramel,Einar Bjornsson,Inga Thorsdottir

doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0178-5

Jona B Vidarsdottir, Sigridur E Johannsdottir + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0178-5

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Abstract

Background and aimsInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be associated with nutritional problems. The aim of this study was to investigate diet and nutritional status of IBD patients.MethodsA total of 78 participants (35 men and 43 women aged 18–74 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. The majority (80 %) of the participant received infliximab treatment. Participants filled out disease related questionnaires and 31 participants also a 3-day food record. Body composition was measured and blood samples analysed in order to estimate nutritional status.ResultsThe majority (87 %) claimed that diet affects digestive tract symptoms and 72 % had changed diet accordingly. The most common foods restricted were dairy products (60 %), processed meat (55 %), soft drinks (46 %), alcohol (45 %) and fast food (44 %). Body mass index was mostly in the overweight range but 46 % of the participants had been diagnosed with some nutritional deficiency since IBD diagnosis (most common was iron deficiency: 39 %). Patients who restricted meat products had lower ferritin values (48 ± 39 vs. 95 ± 74 μg/L, P = 0.011). Intake of vitamin D and calcium were not adequate (65 % below recommeded intake for both) and 60 % had poor vitamin D status.ConclusionIBD patients often change their dietary intake in order to affect digestive tract symptoms. Many patients have a history of nutrient deficiency. Restriction of dairy and meat consumption is common and is negatively associated with intake or status of micronutrients like calcium and iron. Dietary advice by a dietitian and use of potentially helpful dietary supplements is indicated.

Highlights

Background and aimsInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be associated with nutritional problems
It is rarely possible to identify a specific group of food items that should be avoided by all patients and a personalized diet is important in the management of these individuals [6]
The mean Body mass index (BMI) for both genders was in the overweight range, only one man (2.9 %) and one women (2.3 %) were with a BMI below 18.5 kg/m2

Summary

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be associated with nutritional problems. Patients with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), have abdominal symptoms that can both affect the intake and absorption of nutrients [1]. It is not uncommon that patients associate certain foods or food groups with exacerbation of symptoms in their digestive tract and avoid certain types of foods and beverages. Studies have been conducted to find out what food types are related to symptoms in patients [4, 5]. It is rarely possible to identify a specific group of food items that should be avoided by all patients and a personalized diet is important in the management of these individuals [6]

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