Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of your intestines and digestive tract lining. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite and bloody stools. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, bowel obstructions, anal fissures, intestinal ulcers and an increased risk of colon cancer. A variety of vitamin supplements can reduce intestinal inflammation, ease abdominal discomfort and help your digestive tract heal. It is important to contact a medical professional before taking supplements for your condition.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that improves nervous system function; aids in red blood cell production; promotes healthy digestion; transports blood, nutrients and oxygen to your intestines; reduces digestive tract inflammation; alleviates chronic diarrhea; helps your damaged digestive tract heal; prevents future Crohn's disease flares; and lowers your risk malnutrition and colon cancer, according to Pierre Michetti, author of the book "Therapy of Crohn's Disease." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 mcg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include mussels, roasted chicken, roasted turkey, Brie cheese, skim milk, beef, salmon, egg, crab and clams.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that eases abdominal pain; reduces digestive tract inflammation; prevents chronic diarrhea; aids in the healing process; prevents Crohn's diseases flares; and lowers your risk of anal fissures, intestinal ulcers, colon cancer and malnutrition, notes Robert Anderson, author of the book "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin D is 15 mcg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin D include pink salmon, tuna, mackerel, fortified cereals, soy milk, cow's milk, fortified orange juice and eggs.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in blood clot formation; prevents rectal bleeding; decreases digestive tract inflammation; increases red blood cell production; relieves abdominal cramps and severe diarrhea; heals intestinal wounds; and lowers your risk of malnutrition, ulcers and colon cancer, according to Paul Miskovitz and Marian Betancourt, authors of the book "Doctor's Guide to Gastrointestinal Health: Preventing and Treating Acid Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease, Colon Cancer, Pancreatitis, Cirrhosis, Hernias and More." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin K is 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women. Foods rich in vitamin K include kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, broccoli, mayonnaise, olive oil, canola oil and green beans.
Iron
Iron is a mineral that prevents intestinal bleeding; aids in red blood cell production; helps anal fissures heal; transports oxygen, blood and nutrients to your digestive tract; supports health digestion; increases your energy; and decreases your risk of anemia, reports Michael Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." The recommended daily dosage for iron is 8 mg for adults. Foods rich in iron include prunes, potatoes with skin, kidney beans, lentils, oysters, beef, light tuna, molasses, raisins, shrimp, tofu and cashew nuts.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that strengthens your immune system and protects your digestive tract from harmful free radicals that can permanently damage it, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Blake explains that zinc also aids in protein absorption, repairs irritated and inflamed intestinal tissues, increases red blood cell production, supports cellular growth, eases abdominal pain, relieves persistent diarrhea, prevents bowel obstructions, and lowers your risk of anal fissures and colon cancer. The recommended daily dosage for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, cashew nuts, baked beans, cheddar cheese, milk, fruit yogurt, beef, pork and almonds.
References
- "Therapy of Crohn's Disease"; Pierre Michetti; 2005
- "Understanding Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis"; Jon Zonderman and Ronald S. Vender; 2000
- "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine"; Robert A, Anderson; 2001
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
- "Doctor's Guide to Gastrointestinal Health: Preventing and Treating Acid Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease, Colon Cancer, Pancreatitis, Cirrhosis, Hernias and More"; Paul Miskovitz and Marian Betancourt; 2005
