Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, usually affecting the ileum --- the lowest portion of the small intestines. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain. Although no cure exists, the frequency and severity of symptoms can be reduced. Supplements can complement medical treatments and improve overall health.
Cause
Doctors believe that Crohn's disease is the result of a combination of factors, including genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers and a malfunction of the immune system. Ingestion of a foreign substance, such as a virus or bacteria, through contaminated food or water triggers an inflammatory response. In the case of Crohn's disease, once the immune system begins to respond, it does not know when to stop, therefore leading to chronic inflammation that causes tissue damage. Therefore treatment may include supplements to help support the immune system and lead to a decrease in inflammation.
Symptoms
The inflammation of the digestive lining interferes with the ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients, fats and water. Excess water and fat in the stool causes diarrhea, which is usually persistent and severe. A failure to absorb nutrients leads to weight loss, vitamin deficiency and protein deficiency. Because malnutrition commonly occurs in those with Crohn's disease, taking vitamin supplements, under the direction of a health-care provider, can help the patient maintain his health.
Vitamins
Medications used to treat Crohn's disease may contribute to vitamin deficiencies. Corticosteroids, for example, may contribute to a vitamin D deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, it is essential to maintain strong, healthy bones. Those with Crohn's disease, therefore, have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak bones. Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements may help prevent this complication. Those with Crohn's disease may also experience deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid, which both work to repair cells in the intestines.
Probiotics
The damage to the lining of the intestines can interrupt the balance of helpful bacteria. Probiotics, defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as live micro-organisms that, in the right numbers, have a health benefit for the host, can recreate the balance in the the intestines. Although studies have failed to provide conclusive evidence that probiotics relieve symptoms, information provided by Eamonn Culligan and associates at the University College Cork in Ireland and published in the 2009 issue of "Gut Pathogens" indicates that probiotics show promise in the treatment of Crohn's Disease.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, may help to fight inflammation. Although small studies have been done, additional research needs to be completed to assess the effectiveness of fish oil in reducing the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease, according to the Cochrane Collaboration, an international support network for health-care providers, policy makers, patients and care givers. Fish oil should only be taken under the supervision of a health-care provider, as it can interfere or react with certain medications.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- "Gut Pathogens": Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Disease; Culligan et. al; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Crohn's Disease
- MayoClinic.com: Crohn's Disease
- The Cochrane Collaboration: Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Maintenance of Remission in Crohn's Disease
