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.

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.