The study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of LH VIOLA, a high-protein, low-osmolarity oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing a patented blend of polyphenolic PLANT EXTRACTS s, in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are at risk of malnutrition or are malnourished. Malnutrition and sarcopenia in IBD reduce the response to biologic therapy, making targeted nutritional support necessary.
In the study, conducted at the PROMISE Department of the University of Palermo, 14 patients with moderate-to-severe IBD, all receiving biologic therapy, were enrolled. Nutritional status was assessed at baseline and after 3 months of supplementation with LH VIOLA using anthropometry (BMI, MAMC, grip strength), bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and screening tools (MUST, GLIM, MNA). At 3 months, the prevalence of severe malnutrition according to GLIM decreased from 57.1% to 8.3%, while MUST and MNA no longer identified any patients at risk (from 64.3% to 0%). Anthropometric and functional parameters improved significantly, with increases in BMI (+7.4%, p=0.030) and MAMC (+9.3%, p=0.015), and a 22% increase in grip strength.
The supplement was well tolerated in 85.7% of patients (12 out of 14). The two dropouts (14.3%) were attributable, respectively, to worsening diarrhea in a patient with short bowel syndrome and to poor treatment adherence. These preliminary results indicate that “ LH Viola ” is effective and safe in improving nutritional status in patients with active IBD, supporting a personalized nutritional approach integrated with drug therapy to optimize clinical outcomes. The study was presented as a poster (ESPEN26-LB-2285) at the 48th ESPEN Congress, Berlin, September 5–8, 2026.
Authors:
R. Majer, Lionhealth S.r.l. Società Benefit, Milan
S. Gammino, Promise Department, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, University of Palermo
S. Ciminnisi, Promise Department, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, University of Palermo
O. Giambò, Promise Department, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, University of Palermo
C. Amari, Promise Department, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, University of Palermo
A. Lo Leggio, Promise Department, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Palermo
G. Pennisi, Promise Department, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Palermo
L. Vitiello, Lionhealth S.r.l. Società Benefit, Milan
M. Cappello, Promise Department, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Palermo
LH VIOLA This is a food for special medical purposes and must be used under medical supervision.
