Immune Response Regulation and Nutritional Status of the Crohn's Disease Patients.

Immune Response Regulation and Nutritional Status of Crohn's Disease Patients Under Anti-TNF-alpha and Azathioprine Therapy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Whey Protein (WP) and Soy Protein (SP) nutritional supplements on nutritional status and disease activity in Crohn's disease patients.

The patients were split into two groups: one group was supplemented with whey protein and the other, with soy protein. Participants were assessed at three moments: before starting the intervention and after 8 and 16 weeks. The nutritional status and body composition were measured using bioimpedance analysis, anthropometry and albumin and pre-albumin dosages. Dietary intake was determined by 24-h dietary recalls. The disease activity was evaluated by Crohn's Disease Activity Index, serum cytokines and C-reactive protein dosages.

Whey protein was provided as sachets with 15g. Patients were advised to consume two sachets per day (amounting to 22.4g of protein) mixed with food or a cold beverage, for 16 weeks. All patients remained on an unrestricted diet and did not receive nutritional advice.

Soy protein was provided as sachets with 15g. Patients were advised to consume two sachets per day (amounting to 22.4g of protein) mixed with food or a cold beverage, for 16 weeks. All patients remained on an unrestricted diet and did not receive nutritional advice.

Whey protein was provided as sachets with 15g. Patients were advised to consume two sachets per day (amounting to 22.4g of protein) mixed with food or a cold beverage, for 16 weeks. All patients remained on an unrestricted diet and did not receive nutritional advice.

Soy protein was provided as sachets with 15g. Patients were advised to consume two sachets per day (amounting to 22.4g of protein) mixed with food or a cold beverage, for 16 weeks. All patients remained on an unrestricted diet and did not receive nutritional advice.

Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height (kilograms per meter squared) and classified according to the World Health Organization.

Body fat was measured using bioimpedance analysis. Whole-body resistance and reactance were measured using a tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analyzer in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines (BIODYNAMICS, Model 310e).

The body lean mass was measured using bioimpedance analysis. Whole-body resistance and reactance were measured using a tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analyzer in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines (BIODYNAMICS, Model 310e).

Mid-arm muscle circumference was calculated from mid-arm circumference and triceps skin fold thickness.

Inclusion Criteria: Crohn's disease patients treated with azathioprine or anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) or azathioprine and anti-TNF-alpha Exclusion Criteria: smokers who were using other medication or nutritional supplements.