Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), is a chronic disabling condition of the intestine. Most patients experience sequences of exacerbation in which quality of life is often impaired. Also society endures heavily, as IBD healthcare costs are estimated at 4.6-5.6 billion euros per year and high rates of unemployment and work disability are reported. The current incidence estimate is 256.000 Europeans per year, and yet increases.