Background and objectives: to investigate the association between the dietary nutrient intake and nutritional status of patients with
Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: sixty CD patients who had been diagnosed but had not begun treatment were enrolled. The dietary nutrient intake was recorded after three days of 24-hour recall and was calculated using NCCW2006 software. The nutrition levels were assessed using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Indicators included body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference, the circumference of the upper-arm muscle, triceps skinfold thickness, handgrip strength, and the circumference of both calves. Results: eighty-five per cent of CD patients did not meet the necessary energy requirements. Of these, the
protein and
dietary fiber intake in 63.33 % and 100 %, respectively, were below the standard of the Chinese dietary reference. Many patients had insufficient intake of
vitamins, as well as other macro- and
micronutrients. An inverse association was observed between the risk of
malnutrition and higher levels of energy (1,590.0-2,070.6 kcal/d, OR = 0.050, 95 % CI: 0.009-0.279) and
protein (55.6-70.5 g/d, OR = 0.150, 95 % CI: 0.029-0.773). Appropriate supplementation of
vitamin E,
calcium, and other dietary nutrients helped to reduce the risk of
malnutrition. Conclusions: significant deficiencies in dietary nutrient intake were found in CD patients, and dietary intake was associated with the nutritional status of the patient. Appropriate adjustment and supplementation of nutrient intake may reduce
malnutrition risk in CD patients. The gap between actual consumption and recommendation indicates a need for improved nutritional counseling and monitoring. Early relevant advice for the dietary guidance of CD patients may be beneficial for long-term effects associated with nutritional status.