NUTRITION AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract

The lecture describes the role of nutritional imbalance in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. In particular, the impotence of excessive intake of simple carbohydrates, lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, food fibers, ω-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, food intolerances, obesity are analysed. The gouls of clinical nutrition have been outlined in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, as well as the factors that should be considered in developing the diets. Influence of therapeutic diets on inflammation, impairment of intestinal motility, and intestinal microbial imbalance has been demonstrated. Role of nutrition both enteral and parenteral, has been described in the therapy of protein-energy malnutrition, a common finding in inflammatory bowel disease (especially Crohn’s disease). Further research in patient’s genotype for developing tailor-made diets is required.