Nutritional consequences and therapy in Crohn's disease.

Since low intakes of energy and other nutrients are significant factors leading to malnutrition in Crohn's disease, increased attention should be paid to assessing the nutritional status and intake of these patients in the hospital and on an outpatient basis. If nutritional intervention can be instituted early, some of the numerous and serious nutritional consequences of Crohn's disease may be lessened. For this condition where no therapy, surgical or medical, has proven to be more than partially effective, nutritional therapy may be a crucial factor. It is hoped that a better understanding of the nutritional consequences and current therapy of Crohn's disease will be beneficial in recognizing and treating the nutritional needs of patients with Crohn's disease.