Enteral nutrition (EN) is considered to be of great importance in patients with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and nutritional problems. This comprehensive review is aiming to provide the reader with an update on the role of EN in IBD patients. EN can reduce
Crohn's disease (CD) activity and maintain remission in both adults and children.
Nutritional support using liquid formulas should be considered for CD patients and in serious cases of
ulcerative colitis (UC), especially for those who may require prolonged cycles of
corticosteroids. Given that the ultimate goal in the treatment of CD is mucosal healing, this advantage of EN over
corticosteroid treatment is valuable in therapeutic decision-making. EN is indicated in active CD, in cases of
steroid intolerance, in patient's refusal of
steroids, in combination with
steroids in undernourished individuals, and in patients with an inflammatory
stenosis of the small intestine. No differences between the efficiency of elemental diets and nonelemental formulas have been noticed. EN must be the first choice compared to TPN. EN has a restricted value in the treatment of patients with large bowel CD. In conclusion, it seems important not to underestimate the role of nutrition as supportive care in patients with IBD.