Celebrating HAN Week: Understanding Nutritional Treatments for IBD

At Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland, we’re committed to supporting those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). As we mark Home Artificial Nutrition (HAN) Week, we want to shed light on the crucial role of nutritional treatments in managing IBD, particularly during flare-ups or when the bowel is not functioning properly.

The Importance of Nutritional Treatments

When you're experiencing a Crohn’s flare-up or struggling to get enough nutrients from your diet, nutritional treatments can provide the energy and essential nutrients your body needs. These treatments come in two main forms: enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition.

Enteral Nutrition

Enteral nutrition involves a liquid diet that is either drunk or administered through a feeding tube directly into the gut. It is nutritionally balanced, providing all the necessary energy and nutrients.

Exclusive Enteral Nutrition

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a liquid-only diet often used to treat Crohn’s, especially in children. It is not typically used for Ulcerative Colitis. EEN is effective in managing Crohn’s symptoms and can be as effective as steroids in controlling the disease. It helps improve growth and nutrition in children with Crohn’s and can show symptom improvement within 10 days, with the potential to heal the gut lining in 6 to 8 weeks.

Adults may find EEN more challenging to follow, but it remains a valuable option for those who cannot or do not want to use steroids. Support from a dietitian is crucial in helping individuals adhere to the regimen.

Partial Enteral Nutrition

Partial enteral nutrition involves supplementing your diet with liquid nutrition alongside regular food and drink. This approach can help maintain energy and nutrient levels, potentially aiding in the management of Crohn’s when used alongside traditional medications.

Parenteral Nutrition

Parenteral nutrition bypasses the gut entirely, delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This method is used when the gut cannot absorb nutrients effectively. Situations requiring parenteral nutrition include having a significant portion of the small bowel removed, experiencing a bowel blockage, postoperative bowel recovery, or having a fistula.

Typically, parenteral nutrition is administered in a hospital setting, though long-term cases may sometimes be managed at home under medical supervision.

Practical Aspects and Support

For those undergoing nutritional treatments, maintaining normal activities is often possible. Treatments are usually introduced gradually, and dietary adjustments are made under the guidance of a dietitian. Side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and bloating are managed with the help of your IBD team.

At Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland, we recognise the challenges of managing IBD and the importance of proper nutrition. During HAN Week, we emphasise that nutritional treatments are a vital part of comprehensive care for those with IBD. Our goal is to empower patients with the information and support they need to navigate their journey with IBD effectively.

If you or someone you know is living with IBD, reach out to us for support and guidance. Together, we can ensure that no one faces IBD alone.

This article has been funded by Fresenius Kabi Ireland, we thank them for their support.