Prospective assessment of the effects of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition on inflammation, epithelial integrity and body composition in patients with Crohn’s disease

Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) is a dietary therapy used to treat active Crohn's disease. It involves the provision of a specialised liquid nutrition formula (nutritionally complete, fibre free) for 6-8 weeks under the supervision of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) dietitian and gastroenterologist to reduce intestinal inflammation. Patients who are commencing EEN at our centre as a part of their treatment, will be offered enrolment in the study. The research dietitian calculates estimated nutrition requirements using equations (that account for weight, gender, age, disease activity and physical activity) and tailors the EEN regime to the estimated requirements (these can be reviewed at each review if there is a change to weight, activity). Participants will be assess at baseline (face-to-face) by the research dietitian and reviewed at week 1, 2, 4 via telehealth/phone with a face-to-face appointment at week 6. Assessment throughout the study comprise anthropometry (including body composition), clinical symptoms, tolerance, adherence, biochemistry and ultrasound. Participants complete a daily diary throughout the study to assess adherence, as well as weekly self reported adherence as per an adherence scale). EEN intervention: 200ml bottles across the day to meet individuals estimated nutrition requirements (ie. 5-8 bottles daily, depending on individual patient characteristics). This is provided to patients via the standard of care processes for accessing EEN at this institution (ordered by the dietitian and sent to patients home).