Micronutrient Deficiencies in Pediatric IBD: How Often, Why, and What to Do?

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC) are complex diseases with a multifactorial etiology, associated with genetic, dietetic, and other environmental risk factors. Children with IBD are at increased risk for nutritional inadequacies, resulting from decreased oral intake, restrictive dietary patterns, malabsorption, enhanced nutrient loss, surgery, and medications. Follow-up of IBD children should routinely include evaluation of specific nutritional deficits and dietetic and/or supplementation strategies should be implemented in case deficiencies are detected. This narrative review focuses on the prevalence, risk factors, detection strategy, and management of micronutrient deficiencies in pediatric IBD.