Dietary Habits of a Group of Children with Crohn’s Disease Compared to Healthy Subjects

Diet plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and management of Crohn’s Disease (CD). However, we know little about CD children’s dietary habits. 

Labriola F. et al., in their recent study, assessed the quality and the amount of nutrient intake in a group of CD pediatric patients. They compared their study data with those of healthy subjects (HS). 

In total, the investigators provided 20 patients (13 males) and 48 HS (24 males) aged 4–18 years with a food diary to fill out for one week. They used Winfood software to perform the bromatological analysis and get data about intakes of proteins and amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fibers, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. They also estimated the antioxidant activity of foods and calculated the dietetic protein load.

Their study described that the diet of CD patients was poorer in fibers, polyphenols, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fatty acids and richer in animal proteins, vitamin B12, and niacin. Also, PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load) was higher in CD patients’ diets, while ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) was higher in HS. Their study observed no significant differences in carbohydrate and other macro- and micronutrient consumption.

Through this study, the researchers show that CD dietary habits mimic the so-called Western diet, which is likely involved in CD pathogenesis. Likewise, analysis of dietary habits allows for preventing nutritional deficiencies and timely correction through education and supplementation.

Labriola F, Marcato C, Zarbo C, Betti L, Catelli A, Valerii MC, Spisni E, Alvisi P. Dietary Habits of a Group of Children with Crohn’s Disease Compared to Healthy Subjects: Assessment of Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies through a Bromatological Analysis. Nutrients. 2022; 14(3):499. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030499