Enteral nutrition as a primary therapy in active Crohnʼs disease

The role of enteral nutrition as a primary therapeutic option in active Crohnʼs disease remains controversial. There is considerable confusion over the concept of the elemental diet. The differences between this, protein hydrolysate and polymeric diets is of significant biological importance, and appreciation of these differences is vital when analysing controlled clinical trials of enteral nutrition versus standard medical therapy. The authors review these controlled trials and discuss the place of enteral nutrition in the management of active Crohnʼs disease.