Case 17.6
The dietitian deemed that intentional weight gain will reduce malnutrition, as will additional calories/protein in the diet. Nutrition interventions were also devised to help build trust with reintroduction of the missing food groups to help add calories and protein. Shared decision making with the patient was utilized for optimal engagement. He was open to hearing strategies! He was not comfortable with adding gluten just yet though.
Increasing intake of plant-based protein is indicated as he is a vegetarian, has only one source in the diet, and overall, has limited intake of protein. Due to a low intake of protein, sarcopenia may persist as well as risk for further weight loss. Tolerance of fiber in the setting of a flare will be dependent on particle size, portions, and type of fiber. Both raw and cooked forms of fiber in small particle size can be consumed as tolerated. As he has not had dairy for a while, low lactose and lactose free dairy can be explored to initiate intake. Tolerance to dairy is also dose dependent.