Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) presenting in childhood and adolescence is often more aggressive and extensive, posing unique challenges on nutrition, development, and growth. Emerging evidence shows that one of the major determinants of disease burden and long-term outcomes in paediatric-onset IBD, is the necessity of nutritional surveillance. MDT-based structured transition programs should be integral to management of IBD in children, incorporating systematic evaluation of anthropometric and nutritional status. The aim of this study is to assess the anthropometric profile and nutritional well-being of young adults with IBD. We assessed disease demographics, disease-specific parameters, prevalence of malnutrition (over-weight and under-weight), and micronutrient deficiencies. Methods A retrospective observational study conducted in 2 paediatric IBD centres in the UK and Northern Ireland. Descriptive data on cohort of IBD (CD, UC, IBD-U), anthropometry, and nutritional parameters was captured. Disease activity was determined by CRP, fecal calprotectin, and clinician’s assessment. Anthropometric data (BMI, height, weight, and BMI percentiles) and biochemical nutritional markers (haemoglobin, ferritin, albumin, folate, vitamin D, and B12) were assessed. Results 102 patients (59 males and 43 females), median age 17 (range 16-23), were recruited across the 2 centres. There were 29 (28.4%) CD, 57 (55.9%) UC, and 8 (7.8%) IBD-U. 17 (16.7%) patients had active disease, with 81 (79.4%) patients with inactive disease. 22 (21.6%) of patients were overweight or obese, and 9 (8.8%) were underweight, with the majority (63 (61.8%)) having normal BMIs (18.5-24.9). Only 29/102 patients had up-to-date documentation of all nutritional parameters. Micronutrient data was available for 75/102 for folate, 84/102 for ferritin, 58/102 for vitamin D, and 75/102 for vitamin B12. 19.6% had anaemia (Hb 120/130 g/L), 32.3% low/borderline ferritin, 32.4% folate insufficiency ( 4.4 µg/L), 28.4% vitamin D deficiency, 13.8% low B12, and 1% hypoalbuminemia. Among 61.8% with normal BMI, 86.8% of patients had at least one micronutrient deficiency. Conclusion Our findings confirm high prevalence of malnutrition (over- and underweight) and micronutrient deficiencies in young adults. The limits of weight-based assessments reconfirm that BMI alone does not capture nutritional compromise. Transition protocols should include IBD-specific screening methods. This vulnerable cohort needs multidisciplinary programs that integrate self-management education and appropriate dietetic support to improve long-term outcomes. Our study further highlights the need for a national standardised consensus for consistent holistic practise. Conflict of interest: Tran, Huy: No conflict of interest McConville, Joseph: No conflict of interest O Reilly, Sarah: No conflict of interest Barakat, Farah: No conflict of interest Croft, Nick: No conflict of interest Deb, Protima: No conflict of interest Patel, Minal: No conflict of interest Cole, Angela: No conflict of interest Close, Tracy: No conflict of interest Watson, Stacey: No conflict of interest Roach, Lesley: No conflict of interest Dolan, Janine: No conflict of interest McMahon, Naomi: No conflict of interest Rawat, David: No conflict of interest
Tran et al. (Thu,) studied this question.