Nutritional therapy may be a more effective treatment than steroids for children with Crohn's disease, according to two studies presented at Digestive Disease Week^® last May. Clinical trials demonstrated nutrient formulas, delivered orally or by a feeding tube, are as effective as steroids in inducing remission in children without the serious side effects. Diet therapy brought about remission within six weeks in 90 percent of the children studied, with the average first remission lasting over a year. Additionally, nutritional therapy was more effective than steroids in healing the inflammation caused by the disease.

Side effects of steroids commonly taken for Crohn's disease include weight gain, glucose intolerance, hypertension and increased susceptibility to infections, cataracts and acne. Additional studies are needed to better understand the potential benefits of nutrition therapy.