Whey and soy protein supplements changes body composition in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing azathioprine and anti-TNF-alpha therapy

Author(s)

Machado, Julia Figueiredo ^[1] ; Oya, Vanessa ^[1] ; Rodrigues Coy, Claudio Saddy ^[2] ; Morcillo, Andre Moreno ^[1] ; Severino, Silvana Dalge ^[1] ; Wu, Chao ^[3] ; Sgarbieri, Valdemiro Carlos ^[4] ; dos Santos Vilela, Maria Marluce ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Fac Med Sci, Dept Pediat, Ctr Invest Pediat, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sci, Coloproctol Unit, Gastroctr, Dept Surg, BR-13083878 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Hilmar Cheese Co, Hilmar, CA - USA

^[4] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Food Engn Fac, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NUTRICION HOSPITALARIA; v. 31, n. 4, p. 1603-1610, APR 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown cause. Malnutrition associated with active CD has been reduced although obesity has increased. Dietary strategies such as those with high-protein have been proposed to reduce body fat. This study compares the effects of two supplements on the nutritional status of CD patients. Materials and Methods: 68 CD patients were randomized in two groups: whey protein group (WP) and soy protein group (SP). Using bioimpedance analysis, anthropometry and albumin and pre-albumin dosages the nutritional status was measured before starting the intervention and after 8 and 16 weeks. The disease activity was determined by Crohn's Disease Activity Index and serum C-reactive protein dosage and dietary intake by 24h dietary recalls. Results: Forty-one patients concluded the study and both supplements changed body composition similarly. Triceps skin fold thickness (p<0.001) and body fat percentage (p=0.001) decreased, whereas mid-arm muscle circumference (p=0.004), corrected arm muscle area (p=0.005) and body lean percentage (p=0.001) increased. Conclusions: For Crohn's disease patients undergoing anti TNF-alpha and azatioprine therapies, supplementation with whey and soy proteins changes body composition through reduction of body fat and thus contributes to control inflammation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/04750-9 - Crohn's disease: effect of nutrition supplements on Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and nutritional state of the patients in therapy with anti-TNF-alpha and Azathioprine.
• Grantee: Júlia Figueiredo Machado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master