[Diet in gastrointestinal diseases--1983 status].

In the treatment of gastrointestinal disease, no spectacular novelties have been introduced within the past few years. Dietary fibre, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and certain formula diets have been established as standard tools in the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases. Some progress has been noted with the introduction of longterm enteral feeding via needle catheter jejunostomies and longterm home parenteral nutrition. Study of the effects, use, practicability and cost of numerous "traditional" diets has led to a more realistic and critical prescription of diets. There is a general trend towards the prescription of diets only when their influence on the disease or on the abnormal nutritional state is superior to the effects of normal food.