Could Diet Help Manage Your Child’s IBD? The Science Behind CDED + PEN
If your child has Crohn’s disease, you may have heard of the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED)—a whole-food approach designed to reduce gut inflammation and improve nutrient absorption.
What is CDED?
This diet excludes wheat, dairy, red meat, processed foods, and additives while including nutrient-rich whole foods like fruits, veggies, rice, potatoes, lean meats, and eggs. To meet energy and nutritional needs, it’s combined with a specialized formula (PEN – Partial Enteral Nutrition).
How Does It Work?
Phase 1 (6 weeks) – 50% of calories from PEN
Phase 2 (6 weeks) – PEN reduced to 25% as more foods are reintroduced
Phase 3 (Maintenance) – More dietary flexibility while continuing PEN at an adapted level
Why Consider CDED? Induces remission in pediatric and adult Crohn’s disease Supports mucosal healing Better tolerated than exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) Sustains remission more effectively Clinical studies show CDED + PEN is as effective as EEN but easier to follow and sustain—giving your child more food choices while still managing their symptoms.
Share below what your experience has been!!!
If your child has Crohn’s disease, you may have heard of the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED)—a whole-food approach designed to reduce gut inflammation and improve nutrient absorption.
What is CDED?
This diet excludes wheat, dairy, red meat, processed foods, and additives while including nutrient-rich whole foods like fruits, veggies, rice, potatoes, lean meats, and eggs. To meet energy and nutritional needs, it’s combined with a specialized formula (PEN – Partial Enteral Nutrition).
How Does It Work?
Phase 1 (6 weeks) – 50% of calories from PEN
Phase 2 (6 weeks) – PEN reduced to 25% as more foods are reintroduced
Phase 3 (Maintenance) – More dietary flexibility while continuing PEN at an adapted level
Why Consider CDED? Induces remission in pediatric and adult Crohn’s disease Supports mucosal healing Better tolerated than exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) Sustains remission more effectively Clinical studies show CDED + PEN is as effective as EEN but easier to follow and sustain—giving your child more food choices while still managing their symptoms.
Share below what your experience has been!!!
