Evidence of low micronutrient intake in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background/aim: Malnutrition is frequently observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is discussed as the result of reduced dietary intake, maldigestion, malabsorption, and enteric loss of nutrients. Previously published studies mainly focused on Cohn's disease (CD) patients with active disease and the assessment vitamins and trace elements. To obtain a more comprehensive picture of the nutritional status in patients with IBD we compared food intake of patients both with CD and UC, clinically in remission, with age- and sex-matched population controls.

Methods: Up to Februar 2011at total of 81 consecutive patients with IBD were invited to fill a prospective validated 10-day food diary, of whom data from 71 (40 Cohn's disease (CD) and 31 with ulcerative colitis (UC)) were analyzed. Results were compared with data from the German National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

Results: No significant difference was observed for macronutrient intake in comparison with controls. The mean daily energy intake was also comparable between patients (2118±92kcal/day) and controls (2264±112kcal/day). However, compared to controls, both CD and UC patients had lower intakes of fiber (p<0.005), vitamins A (p<0.05), D (p<0.01), E (p<0.005) B1, and C (P<0.005), and magnesium (P<0.01). IBD patients had significantly lower intakes of zinc (p<0.001), iodine (p<0.05) and iron (0.005).

Conclusion: In CD and UC patients in remission, energy and macronutrient needs are sufficiently covered by food intake. However, impaired micronutrient uptake is highly frequent and calls for specific screening and treatments.