Ioannis Migdanis

Enteral feeds can be classified as two major types: commercial enteral formulas and blenderized enteral feeds. When deciding the most appropriate type of feed for a patient, several parameters need to be taken into consideration. Benefits associated with the use of blenderized tube feeds include giving a sense of normalcy to patients, having a positive impact on anthropometric indices, allowing for careful control over known food allergens, being associated with improved gastrointestinal tolerance and improved gut microbial composition (mainly in pediatric populations) and being generally less costly compared with commercial formulas. On the other hand, commercial enteral formulas have the advantages of being generally sterile, less likely to cause tube clogging and having a known and consistent nutrition composition. Further studies, specifically well-designed randomized controlled trials including adult populations, that will emphasize the impact of blenderized enteral feeds on various clinical outcomes are warranted. Clinicians need to be conscientious and educated regarding safe food practices for blended food preparation, as well as the characteristics of commercial formula options available to help assist patients in selecting the proper feed for their nutritional needs and clinical condition.

Background and Objectives: Emerging evidence is placing the Mediterranean diet (MD) in the spotlight as a potential dietary model that could benefit inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in terms of prevention and progress of the disease. The main aim of the present study is to shed some light on the relationship between the adherence to the MD and the degree of disease activity, as well as the quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Materials and Methods: An administered questionnaire was used to assess and record a number of parameters, including recent medical and weight history, anthropometric characteristics, disease activity (in remission or active disease), and quality of life of both male and female CD patients. Moreover, the level of compliance of the participants to the Mediterranean diet model was evaluated and its relationship with disease activity and quality of life was investigated. Results: Adherence to the MD was significantly higher in patients with inactive disease than in those with active disease (p = 0.019). According to the correlation analysis conducted, adherence to the MD was negatively correlated with disease activity (p = 0.039) and positively correlated with quality of life (QoL) (p = 0.046) of the participants. Intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products was significantly higher in remission patients (p = 0.046, p = 0.001, p = 0.041, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude, according to the findings of the study, that adherence to the MD is associated with disease activity and QoL in patients with CD. Future research should focus on MD intervention studies on IBD patients in order to assess its effect on modulating disease activity/course and related inflammatory biomarkers.