Chapter 39 - Nutritional Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Short Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and short bowel syndrome (SBS), impact the nutritional status of the patient. Crohn’s disease, a specific form of IBD, may result in SBS if surgical intervention is necessary. Both conditions put patients at risk for malabsorption, macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, and impaired quality of life. Nutrition therapy often includes parenteral and/or enteral supplementation to ensure adequate nutrients are provided. The nutritional goals of IBD and SBS are similar: to restore nutrition status, to promote growth in pediatric patients or maintenance in adult patients, and to achieve independence from parenteral and enteral nutrition. Additional therapeutic objectives of nutrition therapy include lessening inflammation through strategic food choices for IBD and stimulating adaptation of the residual intestinal tissue with certain nutrients in SBS. The prognosis of IBD and SBS is greatly improved with optimal nutrition therapy.