ABSTRACT
Inammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic illness characterized by unremitting intestinal inammation caused by increased oxidative and metabolic stress. Increased energy, macronutrient, micronutrient, and electrolyte requirements result from thermodynamic demands of inammation and tissue losses from intestinal injury. Consequent protein-calorie malnutrition and micronutrient deciencies are common and require close supervision and corrective supplementation. Food harbors nutrients that play an important role in attenuating the unresolved inammation of IBD while optimizing healing and immunity. Dietary and nutritional strategies have been studied as primary treatments in IBD. The following chapter reviews the impact of nutrition on the sequelae and treatment of IBD.
