Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to explore the macro- and micro-nutrient intakes and dietary patterns of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Secondary objectives were to (a) compare the micronutrient intakes of CD patients with a representative sample of individuals, (b) describe the macro- and micronutrient intakes of male and female CD patients, and (c) describe Mediterranean diet scores (P-MDS) of male and female CD patients in remission that were recruited from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic in Calgary, AB. Consecutive patients with ileal and/or colonic CD in endoscopic remission were recruited for participation in this cross-sectional study. Sixty-seven patients were enrolled with a mean age of 45, and a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 25. Compared with the representative sample, patients with CD had similar energy, protein, carbohydrate, and total fat intake. However, polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), omega-6 and 3, and monounsaturated fats (MUFA) were lower in CD patients and dietary fiber intake was higher (p < 0.05). Vitamins C, D, thiamin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium were all significantly lower in all CD patients when compared to the representative sample (p < 0.05). Few patients with CD met the P-MDS criteria and overall scores were low (mean 4.5, Standard Deviation (SD) = 1.1 in males and 4.7, SD = 1.8 in females). The CD patients in this study had suboptimal dietary intakes and patterns and these data may be used to inform future dietary interventions in this population to improve intake.
Highlights
There is a compelling argument for environmental factors such as diet to play a role in the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1]
Eighty-seven patients were originally recruited to participate, but complete dietary data were only completed by sixty-seven patients
Major study findings identified significantly different (a) micronutrient intakes between Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and a representative sample of individuals; (b) micronutrient intakes between male and female CD patients; and (c) dietary patterns compared to the P-MDS recommendations
Summary
There is a compelling argument for environmental factors such as diet to play a role in the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1]. Given the mounting evidence for the role of diet and gut microbial composition and function in IBD development and exacerbation, a richer understanding of the role of diet in disease pathogenesis is warranted. In IBD, deficiencies of micro- and macronutrients are observed and arise through multifactorial etiologies including disruptions in digestion, malabsorption, and disease activity, resulting in increased energy and nutrient requirements, anorexia, consumption of a nondiversified diet with food avoidance due to symptoms, and cachexia arising as a consequence of pro-inflammatory cytokines [6]. The reported prevalence of malnutrition is variable (12–85%) [7,8,9] and depends on disease activity and the definitions used to define malnutrition
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
