Integrative health therapies for pediatric IBD

Multiple studies confirm use of Integrative Health (IH) therapies is common among children with IBD. Pediatric prevalence rates are compatible with or exceed IH use in adult IBD. Surveys indicate that biologically-based therapies are the most frequently utilized modality among the pediatric IBD population. Concurrent use of herbal remedies and dietary supplements (which we will define as biologically based IH therapies for the purpose of this chapter) and prescription medication is common and may cause untoward drug interactions. In this chapter, we review the available evidence for the safety and efficacy of the most commonly used biologically-based therapies and mind-body therapies in IBD. Clinicians need to know the prevalence of IH therapy utilization in the pediatric IBD population, parents' receptivity towards these modalities as adjuvant therapies, and the reticence to disclose utilization. We suggest that maintenance of a cursory level of understanding and awareness of IH modalities, including knowledge of efficacy, interactions and contraindications, is essential to ensure patient safety.