Cure8 research brief
Dietary therapy using the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet plus partial enteral nutrition is an evidence-based nonpharmacologic option for active Crohn’s disease, but adult adherence is often poor. Understanding barriers and facilitators can help clinicians and dietitians support patients who might try this approach.
Adults with Crohn’s disease considering or using CDED+PEN, gastroenterologists, IBD dietitians, and clinical teams designing adherence support
The researchers interviewed 15 Greek adults with Crohn’s disease and found that all participants said they would be willing to repeat CDED with PEN if they relapsed. Main barriers to staying on the plan included challenges in social food situations, the monotony and taste/variety of allowed foods, meal-preparation workload, and financial cost.
The study also identified clear facilitators: perceived symptom improvement, a greater sense of control/security about eating, and structured support from a dietitian. Some factors (for example, meal prep demands and social support) could help or hinder adherence depending on the person and context.
Practical takeaway: Addressing modifiable barriers — such as improving variety/taste, reducing financial strain, and providing tailored dietitian support — may improve real-world adherence to CDED+PEN. This report is a single-center qualitative study of 15 adults, so findings are hypothesis-generating rather than definitive.
This is a small, single-center qualitative study (15 participants) conducted in Greece and presented as an abstract/full-text in Healthcare (Basel). Results reflect participants’ reported intentions and perceptions rather than objective adherence measurements or clinical outcomes.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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