Enteral Nutrition provides all or part of a patient’s nutrition by means of a liquid formula. The formula may be administered either orally or through a nasogastric tube which leads directly to the stomach or small intestine. It is typically used over a period of 6-8 weeks in order to allow a damaged mucosal lining of the digestive tract to heal, provide more easily absorbable nutrients, and induce remission in Crohn’s and other forms of IBD.
Either Polymer or Elemental formulas may be used. Polymer formulas contain whole molecules of protein and other nutrients. Elemental formulas are based on amino acids, the building blocks of protein, for greater absorption and reduced risk of allergic reaction.
A recent study by Jason Soo et al. compared the effects of Elemental Enteral Nutrition (EEN) and corticosteroids upon newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn’s patients. The study found that EEN had results similar to those of corticosteroids in bringing about remission and better results for increased gains in bone mass.[1] Enteral Nutrition is currently a first course of treatment for Pediatric Crohn’s Disease for more than 60% of gastroenterologists in Europe, but is seldom used in the United States.[2]
[1] “Use of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Is Just as Effective as Corticosteroids in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Crohn’s Disease”, Jason Soo et al., Digestive Diseases and Sciences, December 2013, Volume 58, Issue 12, pp 3584-3591
[2] “Enteral Nutrition in Crohn’s Disease: An Underused Therapy”, Gastroenterology Research and Practice, Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 482108, 11 pages