Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract often causing severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and malnutrition. Malabsorption and chronic diarrhea can cause a lack of adequate vitamins and minerals. Physicians will often recommend supplements to maintain adequate nutrition. People with Crohn's disease should discuss which supplements to take and how much as some supplements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zinc and Folic Acid
Drugs such as sulfasalazine and methotrexate are commonly prescribed for the treatment of Crohn's disease. These medications can cause folic acid levels to drop. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that the body uses zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 to repair the inner lining of the intestine.
B12
B12 is essential for proper nerve function. B12 shots also help prevent anemia in Crohn's disease patients and promote normal growth and development. B12 is absorbed through the part of the small intestine known as the terminal ileum and inflammation in that area can often interfere with the body's ability to absorb the supplement. People with inflammation of the terminal ileum or who have had the terminal ileum removed often need vitamin B12 injections for life, according to MayoClinic.com.
Vitamin D
Physicians commonly prescribe corticosteroids for patients with Crohn's disease, which can affect levels of vitamin D and leave people at risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and vital for maintaining strong bones, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Calcium
Calcium is also essential for strong bones and people with Crohn's disease may have a calcium deficiency due to taking corticosteroids, a drug known for increasing risk of osteoporosis, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, elevated blood calcium levels can cause arrhythmias and, in some cases, heart attack. Patients should discuss whether calcium supplements are necessary.
Iron
People who suffer from Crohn's disease can also have chronic intestinal bleeding, according to MayoClinic.com. This can cause anemia, or low red blood cells. Iron supplements can help restore levels of iron to normal and reduce the risk of anemia. Iron supplements can cause constipation and too much iron in the blood can cause stomach upset and other complications. Patients should discuss taking an iron supplement with their physician.
