Crohn’s Disease and the benefits of a liquid diet

Liquid diets have been used for the last few decades to induce remission.  This involves taking a complete liquid feed as the sole source of nutrition for 6-8 weeks, but in some cases this can be longer.  There is no clear answer as to how or why it works, but some theories that have been proposed include:

• Bowel rest improved nutritional status
• Reduced antigenic load
• Nutritional repletion
• Supplementation of nutrients for example TGF-β2
• Alteration in gut flora
• Changes in inflammatory mediators

Liquid diets have shown benefits in both adult and paediatric patients, although more studies have been done in children.

The advantages of using a liquid diet include:

• Induces rapid clinical remission
• There are minimal side effects with a liquid diet in comparison to steroids
• It ensures optimal growth in children
• It ensures optimal nutritional intake during an acute flare up and provides nutrition support during the remission phase
• Studies have shown that using liquid diets can lead to mucosal healing
• Provides an alternative therapy option for patients who do not want to take steroids

Guidelines recommending the use of liquid diets in Crohn’s Disease

• Cochrane review 2005 & 2007
• Managing growth failure in children (Heuschkel et al 2008)
• ECCO guidelines 2006
• BSG guidelines – Managing inflammatory bowel disease in adults (2004)

Modulen® IBD

Modulen® IBD is a nutritionally complete whole protein feed, clinically proven to achieve remission in Crohn's Disease.  It is suitable for adults and children over 5 years (it can be used with caution for children from 1-5 years, but is not suitable for children less than a year old).

Nutritional profile:

• 100% casein
• Whole protein powder nutritional supplement
• Contains TGF-β2- an anti-inflammatory cytokine
• Nutritionally complete in 2000mls
• Lactose, Gluten and Wheat free
• No artificial sweeteners
• 25% of fat present as MCT
• Great taste!