Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the colon and other parts of the digestive tract. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the lining of the digestive tract. Patients with Crohn's disease are at increased risk for protein deficiency.
Crohn's Disease and Protein Deficiency
Patients with Crohn's disease experience inflammation and ulceration that may cause the walls of the stomach and intestines to swell and thicken with scar tissue, according to MayoClinic.com. These changes may cause problems with digestion and absorption of proteins and other nutrients. Inflammation of the colon may also cause frequent diarrhea, which leads to loss of protein and other nutrients.
Symptoms of Protein Deficiency
Protein is important for metabolism, production of healthy red blood cells and the repair of worn-out tissues in the body. Patients with protein deficiency experience symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, muscle wasting, weight loss, diarrhea, hair loss, slow healing of wounds, skin ulcers, skin rashes and accumulation of fluids in the legs and abdomen, according to MedlinePlus.
Sources of Protein
MedlinePlus recommends that healthy adults eat two to three servings of protein-rich foods per day. Patients with Crohn's disease may require increased intake of protein-rich foods. Natural sources of proteins include meat, fish, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, rice, whole grains and nuts. Animal protein is the best source of protein because it contains all the nine essential amino acids.
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Symptoms of Crohn's disease may develop slowly or appear suddenly without warning. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping, loss of appetite, frequent watery diarrhea, bloody stools, rectal bleeding, sores in the intestinal walls, weight loss, fever, fatigue, joint pain, swollen gums, skin sores and delayed growth and development in children, according to PubMedHealth..
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