The effects of an oral supplement enriched with fish oil, prebiotics and antioxidants on nutritional status and disease activity in Crohn's disease patients

Abstract

The study's aim was to establish the effects of an inflammatory bowel disease nutritional formula (IBDNF) enriched with fish oil, prebiotics, and antioxidants on 1) nutritional parameters; 2) inflammation and 3) disease activity in Crohn's disease (CD). 28 patients with active CD were asked to consume 480 ml of IBDNF daily for 4 mos. Clinical and laboratory measures were compared before and after supplementation. Compliance was assessed by changes in plasma phospholipid fatty acids. 20 patients completed the study. The main reason for withdrawal was to pursue alternative treatment. Only one subject stopped for intolerance to the formula. After 4 mos, the compliant group had a significantly greater decrease in CD Activity Index (P=0.05) and an improved quality of life score per the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (P<0.001) vs. non-compliers. Compliers experienced improvements in lean body and fat mass and plasma 25-OH vitamin D (P=0.014, P=0.05 and P=0.002). There was a significant decrease in levels of arachidonic acid and increases in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and a significant increase in kcal consumed and intake of a number of micronutrients after addition of IBDNF in compliers. IBDNF was well tolerated and has the potential to improve quality of life, lower disease activity, deposit lean tissue and fat mass and improve vitamin D status in CD. Change in Anti-inflammatory Fatty Acid Ratio ((%EPA+%DHA)/%AA) After IBDNF