People with Crohn’s disease are at an increased risk of certain nutrient deficiencies.
Supplements can help you obtain the vitamins and minerals you might’t get from food alone.
While some deficiencies are common in Crohn’s disease, needs can vary from person to person.
A boy and the sea / Getty Images
A boy and the sea / Getty Images
1.
Folic Acid
Folic acid(B9) helps create new cells throughout the body.
Folic acid is awater-soluble vitaminthat your body obtains through food.
A water-soluble vitamin dissolves in water and is absorbed by tissues for immediate use.
Any excess is passed in urine, so folic acid must be replenished regularly.
Foods rich in folic acid include leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas, and nuts.
It is also available in enriched grain products such as pasta, cereals, and bread.
Calcium
Calciumis an essential nutrient and the most abundant mineral in the body.
Calcium also supports healthy circulation, hormones, nerve, and muscle health.
Calcium is absorbed in thesmall intestine, where Crohn’s disease typically attacks.
Iron
Ironis a mineral you’re able to only get through your diet.
It is necessary for human growth and development.
Iron also plays a key role in maintaining healthybone marrow, muscles, organ function, and some hormones.
Iron deficiency in Crohn’s disease can lead to a substantial decrease in quality of life.
It ranks as a leading cause of hospitalization for people with this disease.
Iron supplementation may be advised to treat any of the following symptoms:
4.
Some cereals and yeast are fortified with vitamin B12.
Crohn’s disease commonly affects your small intestine and the top of yourlarge intestine.
Most absorption of vitamin B12 occurs in the ileum, the last and longest section of your small intestine.
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects up to 38% of people with Crohn’s.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D (calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin.
It is absorbed by fat globules that travel through the small intestines and distribute the vitamin throughout your body.
It also helps your body retain and absorb calcium andphosphorus.
Your body can make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
These vitamins also fight infections and maintain bone health.
You must ingest these vitamins since your body doesn’t produce them.
Potassium, Magnesium, and Zinc
Potassium, magnesium, andzincareelectrolytes.
These nutrients regulate muscle contractions and keep you hydrated.
Potassium
Potassiumis an electrolyte that helps your nerves function and muscles contract.
It also helps your heartbeat remain regular and moves nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells.
Potassium can also offset some ofsodium’sharmful effects on your blood pressure.
The risk of potassium deficiency increases with the use of corticosteroids such as prednisone.
Research indicates that about 70% of people with active Crohn’s disease have fatigue during a flare-up.
These feelings also affect about 40% of people in remission (minor or inactive symptoms).
When you have sufficient levels of vitamins and nutrients, their biochemical properties support normal physical and emotional function.
This can impact bodily functions ranging from energy production to immune function.
Generally, consuming a diet of healthy foods is the best way to meet your nutritional needs.
However, having Crohn’s disease may interfere with your ability to consistently consume a healthy diet.
While vitamins and supplements may seem harmless, some can worsen Crohn’s symptoms, like nausea or diarrhea.
They can also interact with medications you may be taking for Crohn’s disease or other conditions.
They can also advise a Crohn’s disease diet that may help meet your needs.
While supplements can help correct nutritional deficiencies, everyone’s needs are unique.
Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
With the proper guidance, it’s possible for you to maintain healthy nutrition safely without having new problems.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Vitamin and mineral supplementation.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About folic acid.
United States Department of Agriculture.Eye on nutrition: calcium.
American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC).Patients with Crohn’s disease report low calcium, magnesium intake.
2024;16(15):2555. doi:10.3390/nu16152555
CARE Hospitals.How does calcium deficiency affect bone health?
Mahadea D, Adamczewska E, Ratajczak AE, et al.Iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel diseases-a narrative review.Nutrients.
2021;13(11):4008.
Published 2021 Nov 10. doi:10.3390/nu13114008
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12 fact sheet for health professionals.
2015;74(1):56-66. doi:10.1017/S0029665114001591
Yale Medicine.Vitamin D deficiency.
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.Fat-soluble vitamins: what they are and how to get the most out of them.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Vitamin A deficiency.
National Institutes of health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin E.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Vitamin K deficiency.
UCSF Health.Nutrition tips for inflammatory bowel disease.
2022;11(7):1044. doi:10.3390/foods11071044
Crohn’s and Colitis UK.Fatigue.
Relive Health.Signs you are nutrient or vitamin deficient.
Rupa Health.Nutritional deficiencies in children: early detection and management through functional medicine.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Nutrient-drug interactions.
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF).Food vs. supplements: what’s the verdict?
Yale New Haven Health.Taking your vitamins?
see to it to tell your doctor.
