Self-reported food intolerance, dietary supplement use and malnutrition in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Lebanon.

Background/aims: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are known for a combination of food intolerance, decreased oral intake, and malabsorption which all predispose patients to malnutrition and suboptimal dietary intake. The present study was conducted to 1) examine self-reported food intolerances and dietary supplement use 2) assess nutritional intake 3) assess the nutritional status and screen for malnutrition among patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD).

Methods: 48 patients with CIBDs (28 Crohn's disease, 15 ulcerative colitis and 7 with atypical forms of IBD) took part in this cross-sectional study.