Crohn's disease is an increasingly global health concern. Currently without a cure, it significantly alters the quality of life of
Crohn's disease sufferers and places a heavy financial burden on the community. Recent reports show that the rising prevalence of
Crohn's disease is no longer confined to Western countries, with considerable increases seen particularly in Asia. Nutritional problems are often associated with
Crohn's disease, most notably in the paediatric population, with underweight and
stunting commonly seen at presentation. In addition, linear growth retardation and pubertal delay can also manifest in these younger patients. Therefore, exclusive
enteral nutrition has been used as a therapeutic option to treat
Crohn's disease, in part to address the nutritional complications of the disease. Exclusive
enteral nutrition can improve nutrition as well as induce remission at a rate equivalent to
corticosteroids. It is safe particularly with long-term use and can induce mucosal healing, considered the gold standard for
therapy, at a rate superior to
corticosteroids. Exclusive
enteral nutrition has thus become the preferred therapeutic option in many centres for the treatment of paediatric
Crohn's disease. This review discusses the role of exclusive
enteral nutrition as a therapeutic option for the treatment of
Crohn's disease, as well as the latest findings into its mechanisms of action.