Introduction The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is an exclusion diet used as a therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of the SCD. Methods Prospective dietary data over 12 weeks were analyzed for pediatric patients on the SCD. Intake of 20 key nutrients was compared to Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI) levels and nutrient intake data from similarly aged children from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS) in 2012. Results 9 patients enrolled, with 8 patients completing the study. 6/8 individuals completing the study had gained weight, 1 individual had weight loss, and 1 had no change in weight. Energy intake was significantly greater than 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)/Adequate Intake (AI) for 64% of daily intakes completed for this study. The majority of participants' daily intakes met or exceeded the RDA for vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12, C, A, and E. One hundred percent of participants' intakes were below the RDA for vitamin D. Seventy-five percent of daily intakes were less than the RDA for calcium. The upper limit was met or exceeded for magnesium in 42% of daily intakes. Average Vitamin A intake was significantly greater than the upper limit (p=0.01). Discussion Nutrient intake of pediatric IBD patients on the SCD was adequate when compared to a healthy peer reference population, but adequacy was variable when compared to the DRIs. Close monitoring with a multi-disciplinary team for patients using the SCD as an alternative or adjunct therapy is recommend to ensure positive outcomes for overall patient health.

Background SMOFlipid is a mixed‐lipid emulsion approved for adults in the United States as an alternative to soybean oil–based lipid (SO). There are limited data on the use of SMOFlipid in pediatrics and its effect on the fatty acid (FA) profile. Our objective was to characterize changes in FA profile, liver function, and growth in pediatric patients with intestinal failure (IF), following transition from SO or a fish‐oil (FO) and SO combination to SMOFlipid. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted on pediatric parenteral nutrition–dependent IF patients transitioned to SMOFlipid. Demographics, anthropometrics, labs, and achievement of nutrition goals were assessed. Linear mixed‐effect models assessed effects on FA levels and clinical outcomes. Results One hundred thirty‐nine FA panels were collected from 20 patients. Median SMOFlipid dose at study completion was 2 g/kg/d (interquartile range, 1.6–2). During the 1.5 years after SMOFlipid initiation, ω‐6 FA increased to physiologic levels, arachidonic acid increased from 298 to 461 nmol/mL (P < .001), and linoleic acid increased from 1172 to 1922 nmol/mL (P < .001). ω‐3 FA remained within normal limits. Body mass index z‐score and length z‐score increased, though no significant changes were found. In addition, no significant changes were found in mead acid, hepatic function, triene‐to‐tetraene ratio, or triglycerides. Conclusion In 20 pediatric IF patients, SMOFlipid allowed greater ω‐6 FA provision while maintaining ω‐3 FA, hepatic function, and patient growth. This longitudinal study identified improved FA profile associated with SMOFlipid use in comparison with SO with or without FO.

Routine supplementation of iodine in parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions is not current practice in the United States. In this case study, we describe an incidental finding of goiter in a long-term PN-dependent adolescent. With increased iodine screening, we then identified additional patients with undetectable urinary iodine concentrations in our population of children with short bowel receiving long-term PN. We hypothesize that 2 practice changes are possibly reducing iodine provision to long-term PN-dependent patients: transition to alcohol-based skin preparations and lipid minimization.