Inflammatory bowel disease--IBD--consists of two distinct but related disorders of the digestive system. Both ulcerative colitis--UC--and Crohn's disease have an autoimmune origin. Due to factors not completely understood, your immune system attacks your own gastrointestinal organs. Genetic tendencies and environmental triggers may combine to initiate the disease processes, explains the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Chronic diarrhea in both UC and Crohn's disease leads to deficiencies of many nutrients, including minerals that the body needs for proper function. Mineral supplements may be recommended or prescribed by your doctor if you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.
Iron
Attack by the immune system causes ulcers in the lining of your intestines. Bleeding from ulcerated sores sometimes becomes severe enough to lead to iron deficiency anemia, a low blood count resulting from iron supplies that are too low to make new blood cells. Over 80 percent of ulcerative colitis patients suffer from significant iron deficiency, according to an older, but still relevant, study published in the "Gastroenterology Clinics" in 1998.
In addition to loss of iron through bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease interferes with your body's ability to absorb iron, explains the medical text "Cecil Medicine." Poor nutrition accompanies diseases of the digestive system so that decreased intake of iron also contributes to deficiency. Some multivitamins contain iron. Alternatively, iron tablets can be taken in addition to other nutritional supplements.
Zinc
Crohn's disease affects your small and large intestines, while UC attacks only the large intestine, including the colon and rectum. Because most nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine, you have more risk of nutrient deficiencies with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease than with UC. Low zinc levels result in hair loss, increased diarrhea, immune system dysfunction, decreased alertness and problems with wound healing, says the Office of Dietary Supplements. Include meat, seafood, fortified cereal and breads, beans, nuts and dairy in your diet to compensate for zinc losses.
Ask your doctor about zinc supplementation if you cannot maintain a healthy diet due to illness.
Selenium
Crohn's disease predisposes you to selenium deficiency as well. Selenium, a trace mineral needed in only small daily amounts, contributes to your immune system and thyroid functions. Selenium is also a component of certain antioxidants which help fight heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses caused by damaging compounds called free radicals. The Office of Dietary Supplements cautions that you need only a low dose of selenium and may incur risk by taking excess amounts of this mineral. Ask your doctor if you should take selenium tablets and to confirm the proper dose for your situation.
Magnesium
Loss of magnesium accompanies all disorders that feature ongoing diarrhea. Magnesium deficiency presents a constant risk throughout the course of both UC and Crohn's disease.
Mild degrees of magnesium deficit may have few symptoms. Moderate deficiency causes fatigue, the feeling of a pounding heart and muscle twitching. As loss of magnesium continues, you may begin to have hallucinations, tingling and numbness, according to MedlinePlus. Abundant in leafy green vegetables, whole grains and soy products, magnesium can be maintained with a healthy diet and may be supplemented by over-the-counter tablets, with your doctor's approval.
References
- "Gastroenterology Clinics"; Nutritional Issues in Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Levinus A. Dieleman M.D., Ph.D and William D. Heizer M.D.; June 1998
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: About Ulcerative Colitis and Proctitis
- National Institues of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
- "Cecil Medicine, 23rd ed"; Lee Goldman, M.D., Dennis Ausiello, M.D., editors; 2008
- MedlinePlus: Magnesium in Diet
