Nutrient deficiency in chronic inflammatory bowel disease

A table with fruit, vegetables and spices. Carrots, rocket, tomatoes, lettuce, oranges, onions, garlic and pepper can be seen. The picture is symbolic of many vitamins and minerals. These are all substances that people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may lack. These patients then have a nutrient deficiency. The article to which the picture belongs is about nutrient deficiency in chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Table of Contents

What are the possible causes of persistent tiredness?

In principle, several causes, such as disease activity, psychosomatic symptoms, medication or a nutrient deficiency, can contribute to fatigue. This article sheds light on deficiency symptoms, particularly a lack of vitamin B12, vitamin D or iron, which often leads to a state of exhaustion in IBD sufferers.

How does a nutrient deficiency occur?

Especially when the intestine is inflamed during an episode, the reduced surface area of the intestinal mucosa can no longer properly absorb nutrients and energy supplied by food. In addition, many sufferers also have a loss of appetite, which can lead to reduced food intake and thus also to a lack of nutrients. The same applies to certain medications, diarrhea or intestinal areas removed by surgery.

What are vitamins and minerals important for?

Many IBD sufferers are deficient in vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium. In addition to the persistent tiredness and exhaustion already mentioned, this can also lead to metabolic disorders, sleep and concentration disorders, night blindness, wound healing disorders and immunodeficiency.

How can I prevent a nutrient deficiency?

The following foods can help people with IBD to prevent a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium.

Vitamin A: eggs, dairy products, fish, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, red peppers, mango, honeydew melon, apricots and lamb's lettuce
Vitamin D: fish, eggs and dairy products such as cheese or butter
Vitamin B12: meat, fish, seafood, sauerkraut, dairy products and eggs
Folic acid: vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and tomatoes, nuts, pulses, wholegrain products, oranges and potatoes
Iron: Meat, fish and poultry
Zinc: whole grain products, peanuts, beans and meat
Magnesium: pumpkin, rice, almonds and beans
Calcium: wholegrain products, dairy products, mineral water and green vegetables such as broccoli or kale

What should I do if I suspect a nutrient deficiency?

In order for a nutrient deficiency to be treated effectively, it is important that it is diagnosed by a doctor. This is usually done by means of blood tests, which provide reliable results after just a few days. Based on these results, your doctor can then prescribe additional supplements or make additional recommendations. Depending on the severity of the deficiency, an infusion may also be necessary in the case of a drastic iron deficiency, for example. Apart from this, your doctor can also put you in touch with a nutritionist if necessary.

Conclusion

It is always crucial to check your body's nutrient balance regularly and to compensate for any deficiencies with the appropriate supplements, infusions or diet. Apart from this, a healthy and wholesome diet tailored to the disease is generally recommended for living with IBD, as a good micronutrient balance is not only crucial for disease activity, but also for general well-being.