Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but mostly affects the lower part of the tract. People suffering from this disease may experience diarrhea, rectal bleeding and arthritis. According to a review published in Nutrition Reviews, patients suffer nutrient deficiency secondary to micro and macronutrient malabsorption. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIDDK, nutritional complications such as protein, calories and vitamin deficiencies are common.
Vitamin B12
Decreased function of the digestive system may lower Vitamin B12 absorption. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, B12 deficiency may be the result of resection of the stomach or small intestine where receptors are located. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract also may interfere with B12 absorption. B12 functions include nutrient metabolism, blood cell formation, and control of atherosclerosis. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss. Also, neurological symptoms such as depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue are reported, states the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Folate
Folate deficiency is mostly related to poor dietary intake. "Dietary insufficiency enhanced intestinal loss or, competitive inhibition of sulfasalazine therapy may lead to folate deficiency in patients with inflammatory bowel disease," reports a review published in the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics journal. This vitamin is responsible for growth, hemoglobin levels maintenance and amino acid metabolism. Increased homocysteine levels in blood and megaloblastic anemia are symptoms of deficiency, states the Linus Pauling Institute.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects the cells against the action of free radicals. According to Mayo Clinic, deficiency may result from decreased fat absorption through the gut. Vitamin E deficiency may lead to numbness and pain of hands and feet, decreased muscle coordination, weakening or atrophy of the muscles, retinopathy, and impairment of the immune response, reports the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Thiamin
This water -- soluble vitamin covers functions from carbohydrate metabolism to muscle function. A deficiency may lead to fatigue, weakness and psychosis, according to the national Institute of Health. Also, brain damage may occur from a severe deficiency.
Vitamin D
This fat -- soluble vitamin, also called the "sunshine vitamin" is responsible for calcium and phosphate balance. A deficiency may lead to decreased bone mass. According to a review published in Nutrition Reviews, vitamin D deficiency may present with osteomalacia or muscle weakness in patients with Crohn's disease. The review also states that deficiencies may be related to drug and nutrient interactions.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency may be caused by fat malabsorption. This vitamin is responsible for vision and skin health. Night blindness and decreased immunity are some signs of deficiency.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Crohn's Disease
- Linus Pauling Institute: B12
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12
- Nutrition and Crohn's Disease: an Update of Print and Web-based Guidance
- Nutrition and Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Linus Pauling Institute: Folic Acid
