Determination of Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Evaluation of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in remission and to evaluate their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: The study was conducted with 43 patients aged 7-18 years in remission with a diagnosis of IBD. The study data were obtained through a questionnaire form by applying the face-to-face interview technique. Three-day food consumption records were taken to evaluate food intake. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) was used to evaluate patients' adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Body composition analysis and some anthropometric measurements of the patients were made by the researchers. Biochemical parameters were recorded from the patient file. Results: It was determined that 18.6% of the patients were overweight or obese, 4.7% were very thin, and 4.7% were stunted and 14% were short according to the height-for-age Z-score. According to KIDMED scores, 27.9% of the patients were classified as 'poor', 65.1% 'moderate', 7% 'good'. It was determined that 41.9% of the patients had cytophobia. There was no statistically significant difference in biochemical and anthropometric parameters according to the Mediterranean diet compliance (p>0.05). The daily energy, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron intakes of the patients were quite below the requirement. Conclusion: This study showed that children with IBD in remission are at high risk of stunting, overweight and obesity rather than underweight are common, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet is low.

Keywords

• inflammatory bowel disease
• nutritional status
• mediterranean diet
• dietary intake