The study analyzes the organization of nutritional care in the main Italian centers for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — with a focus on regional disparities in access to oral nutritional supplements (ONS).
An online survey (July 2025) conducted among 93 physicians working in Italian IBD centers found an overall prevalence of malnutrition of 35%, with marked regional variation. Nineteen percent of the centers lack a clinical nutrition service, and only 70% perform systematic nutritional screening, with significant differences between regions: Lombardy (95%) and Campania (75%) show the highest percentages, while Veneto stands at 35% despite having established clinical units.
Reimbursement for ONS remains inconsistent: in 53% of cases, it is covered through an individualized treatment plan; in 14% of cases, it is covered for all patients; and in 33% of cases, the patient is fully responsible for the cost. Standardizing nutritional assessment and integrating ONS into national treatment protocols—as is already the case for other conditions included in the Essential Levels of Care (LEA)—could improve the early diagnosis of malnutrition and reduce costs for the National Health Service (SSN).
Authors:
- Valentina Pagella — Lionhealth Società Benefit
- Sara Ferri — Lionhealth Società Benefit
- Elena P. Lanati — CEO & Founder of Lionhealth Società Benefit
