How should a physician counsel a vegan patient with IBD who might benefit from supplements?

Abstract

Veganism has grown in popularity in recent years. We argue that physicians should share the best available evidence on the efficacy of such diets while respectfully trying to understand the perspectives of patients who choose vegan diets. The first section establishes the need for physicians to understand reasons behind patients’ dietary and health preferences. The second section considers evidence, or lack thereof, for nutritional supplementation in special populations, such as those practicing veganism.