Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum. There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but there are medications available to reduce symptoms. Patients with ulcerative colitis are at risk for vitamin deficiencies due to frequent loose stools and chronic gastrointestinal disturbances, according to MayoClinic.com. Folic acid is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is necessary for the production of red blood cells.
Symptoms and Risks
Patients with ulcerative colitis experience symptoms such as frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, appetite loss and fatigue, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients with these symptoms are at risk for folic acid deficiencies due to decreased food intake and reduced absorption of the vitamin.The recommended daily intake of folic acid is 400mcg. Natural sources of folic acid include spinach, broccoli, kale, lettuce, turnip greens, peas, beef liver and cow peas. Folic acid is also added to fortified breakfast cereals. Folic acid dietary supplements are also available as prescriptions and over-the-counter. Patients taking other medications should consult a doctor before taking folic acid supplements.
Folic Acid Deficiency
Patients with ulcerative colitis may experience symptoms of folic acid deficiency, such as anemia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, headaches, sore tongue, heart palpitations, irritability, memory loss and personality problems, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Pregnant mothers with folic acid deficiency are at increased risk for giving birth to babies with neural tube defects.
Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Several medications are used to control symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in the colon and rectum. Sulfasalazine is the main drug used to reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms. This drug should not be taken by patients allergic to sulfa drugs. Immune system suppressing drugs such as azasan are also used to reduce inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen are used to treat abdominal pain. Anti-diarrheals such as Imodium decrease diarrhea, but they should be used cautiously because they can cause toxic megacolon. Fiber supplements such as methylcellulose are also used to control diarrhea by adding bulk to stool.
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
Patients with ulcerative colitis should not ignore symptoms, because various complications can result. Patients may experience severe bleeding and perforation of the colon, severe dehydration due to chronic diarrhea, osteoporosis, toxic megacolon, liver disease, inflammation of the skin, joints and eyes and an increased risk for colon cancer, according to MayoClinic.com.
