NUTRITIONAL ISSUES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE

Malnutrition is a very common problem in patients with chronic inflamm atory bowel diseases. This article discusses the incidence, causes, an d clinical consequences of malnutrition in these patient groups. The r ole of nutritional support administered enterally or parenterally eith er as primary or adjunctive therapy is highlighted, based on past and more recent controlled studies. Additional attention is given to the r oles of glutamine, short-chain fatty acids, fish oil, and alternative nutritional therapy.