Micronutrient Supplementation in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Examining Predictors and Outcomes of Supplement Adherence

Objective: To summarize rates of supplement adherence in youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to identify predictors and outcomes of supplement adherence. Methods: 49 adolescents (ages 11-18) participated. Youth completed six monthly assessments of adherence and supplement knowledge. Youth and parents completed questionnaires. Medical record reviews provided medical and laboratory data. Results: Mean supplement adherence rates ranged from 32% to 44%. Predictors of supplement adherence included higher knowledge (for multivitamin, iron, and calcium adherence) higher family involvement (for iron and calcium adherence), and greater inflammation (via a hematological index) for multivitamin adherence. Few relationships between supplement adherence and inflammation, growth, or nutritional outcomes were found. Conclusion: Supplement adherence is problematic in pediatric IBD, and predictors of adherence tended to be psychosocial rather than biological variables. Future research with larger sample sizes and assessments of supplement adherence that do not rely solely on patient self-report are important next steps