Dietary Fiber Intake in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate intake of total dietary fiber, and its soluble and insoluble fractions, by children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in comparison with healthy controls.

Methods: This was a prospective controlled study on children with IBD. Food consumption data were collected by using the 3-day diet record. For intake of soluble and insoluble fibers author's questionnaire was used.

Results: The study included 50 children with IBD (80% in clinical remission) and 50 healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences in age, weight, height, and BMI percentiles between both groups. The mean disease duration was 3.5 ± 2.5 years. The daily median dietary fiber intake in patients was 15.3 ± 4.2 g, whereas controls consumed about 14.1 ± 3.6 g/day; differences were not statistically significant. The median intake of soluble fiber in the study group was 5.0 g/day and in controls 4.7 g/day, whereas the intake of insoluble fractions was 10.2 versus 9.7 g/day, respectively. The total fiber intake significantly increased with age and it was higher among boys in each age group. The boys better achieved adequate intake recommendations (P = 0.003). Both, children with IBD and healthy controls, did not meet the adequate intake recommendations.

Conclusions: Intake of fiber in patients with IBD and healthy controls was comparable; however, in both groups, it was lower than recommended.