RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is often associated with nutrition disorders. Many nutrition therapeutic alternatives have been studied. Nevertheless, the actual role of nutrition therapy is still controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of nutrition supplementation with and without transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-ß2) on inflammatory, endoscopic, histopathologic, and nutrition parameters in active CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients were allocated into 3 groups: group 1 (patients who received only nutrition orientation), group 2 (nutrition orientation and a normoproteic, normocaloric nutrition supplement), and group 3 (nutrition orientation and the nutritional supplement with TGF-ß2). Clinical and nutrition evaluation, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and assessment of endoscopic and histologic parameters in the intestinal mucosa were performed before and after nutrition intervention. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3 months. In the beginning of the study, groups were homogeneous regarding age, gender, CD behavior and localization, and medication in use. In the end of the study, the Clinical Disease Activity Index score was reduced in groups 2 and 3; in group 3, a reduction in CRP levels and an improvement in histologic findings were observed. Among patients who received nutritional supplement, some anthropometric patterns were improved. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that nutritional supplementation improved nutrition and inflammatory patterns in patients with active CD. However, only patients receiving TGF-ß2-enriched formula showed improvement in histologic parameters and significant reduction in CRP levels.