Nutrition Resources for Healthcare Providers
Malnutrition is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The goals of nutrition therapy are to maintain or restore nutritional balance, manage GI symptoms, and possibly reduce inflammation. The resources provided here are designed to educate medical professionals on nutrition and IBD. Our education stems from the Foundation's IBD Qorus Quality of Care Program.
**Please note that the Nutrition Care Pathway is currently under revision; these activities should be used for informational purposes only.
Virtual IBD Clinic
The Foundation's Virtual IBD Clinic program is a multi-faceted virtual activity that seeks to enhance professional training in the diagnosis, treatment and management of IBD through interactive online certified activities that replicate the real-world experiences of a clinician in an interactive format.
IBD in Clinical Practice: Anemia
In this online activity you will learn how to apply important elements of the Foundation’s IBD Anemia Care Pathway -- a tool that is useful for the screening, evaluation, intervention, and follow up of patients with IBD and iron deficiency. Also in this activity you will hear a testimonial from Lyn, an IBD patient with iron deficiency, as she recounts interesting aspects of her history and treatments.
This activity is jointly provided by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, and RMEI Medical Education, LLC. This activity is supported by an independent medical educational grant from Luitpold Pharmaceuticals.
Fact sheets
General Nutritional Considerations for IBD Patients
A recent study from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation found that nearly 60 percent of those with IBD consider nutrition to be a very important part of their IBD management, yet very few are discussing diet with their healthcare providers. This guide is based on current evidence, taking into account important factors such as disease activity, disease location, surgical history, medication use, and bowel function. It provides current information on nutritional considerations for patients with IBD, including nutritional support, energy and protein goals, oral nutrition supplements and IBD drug-nutrient.
Common Micronutrient Deficiencies in IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients are at risk for micronutrient deficiencies as a result of active bowel inflammation, food avoidance, and medical or surgical treatments. The most common micronutrient deficiencies in IBD are listed in the table below. These deficiencies can increase risk for bone disease, cognitive decline, anemia, arterial and venous thromboembolism, poor growth, and other complications.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s IBD Anemia Care Pathway
Anemia is a common but under-recognized complication in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Despite published practice guidelines and quality measures for anemia in IBD, screening and management of anemia among IBD patients is suboptimal. In an effort to address this under-met need, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation initiated the development of an Anemia Care Pathway (ACP) for the purpose of standardizing clinical management of anemia.
Foundation-led research studies
Tinsley, A. MD, Ehrlich, O. MPH, et al. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: October 2016 - Volume 22 - Issue 10 - p 2474–2481 Malnutrition is common in inflammatory bowel diseases. Identifying patients who are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition may lead to early intervention and improve patient outcomes. To date, little is known about the role of nutritional assessment and management in IBD care. The study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding nutrition in IBD among patients and providers.
Hou, J.K. et al. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: January 2017 - Volume 23 - Issue 1 - p 35–43 Anemia is a common complication among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and is associated with high rates of IBD-related complications, resource utilization, and impaired quality of life. Despite practice guidelines for anemia in patients with IBD, gaps remain in the perceptions of anemia among health care providers. The aims of this study were to identify gaps in care and to develop a care pathway for anemia in patients with IBD.
Video and audio podcasts
This is a short educational video for healthcare providers and dietitians to learn about the significance of malnutrition in IBD care.
Anemia Care for IBD Patients
Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are at a greater risk of developing anemia, a common complication that affects their quality of life and is associated with high rates of other IBD-related complications. Host Laura Wingate, Vice President of Education, Support and Advocacy for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, chats with Dr. Jason Hou, Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine about gaps in the importance of anemia management, diagnostics, and awareness for patients with IBD that continue to exist among healthcare providers.
Patient/caregiver education
Comprehensive nutrition education information and resources for you to share with patients and their caregivers.
This content was developed by Professional Members of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.