Crohn's disease causes a "cobblestone appearance" in the intestines, as a result of the inflammation and swelling. It is also associated with skin diseases, inflammation in the spine and pelvis, inflammation in the bile duct, arthritis, gallstones and kidney stones. A person with Crohn's may have a watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. They can also have a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, niacin and magnesium.
Crohn's Disease
Approximately 3.6 to 8.8 people out of every 100,000 have Crohn's disease, according to Ali Tavakkolizadeh, M.B., Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School in "Schwartz's Principles of Surgery." This disorder is an inflammatory disease which affects the intestines, especially the last part of the small intestines. The inflammation penetrates all of the intestinal layers, causing abnormal openings between sections of the intestines, or from the intestines to the bladder, skin and vagina. Crohn's disease may cause gallstones, and is associated with a skin disease which forms ulcers, called pyoderma gangrenosum, and another one called erythema nodosum which results in red, painful bumps.
The Causes of Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is not a result of low magnesium. As of 2011, physicians believe that someone genetically predisposed can develop this disorder if there are certain factors present in the environment and if the immune system does not properly respond to microorganisms causing an infection in the intestines, explains Sonia Friedman, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Normally, the immune system fights against infection, then it settles down and the damaged tissue is repaired. Physicians hypothesize that this normal process does not happen in someone with Crohn's disease.
A Low Magnesium Level in Crohn's Disease
Crohn's can cause a low magnesium level. As explained by the National Institutes of Health, the mineral is first absorbed in the intestines; from there, it enters the bloodstream. Any intestinal disorder which interferes with absorption in general, can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Since the inflammation of Crohn's affects the intestines and interferes with absorption, people with Crohn's disease may not absorb the normal amount of magnesium. This can lead to a low amount of magnesium in the bloodstream and a magnesium deficiency.
Symptoms of Low Magnesium
Many enzymes, which are proteins that speed biochemical reactions, use magnesium. Enzymes use magnesium to stabilize the structures of RNA and DNA, and to make energy. Potassium, calcium and vitamin B-1 also use magnesium. A low level of magnesium can cause many symptoms; some of the symptoms are actually a result of a low blood level of potassium and calcium since the three are interrelated, per James Lewis, III, M.D. of Nephrology Associates in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." People may feel weak, nauseous and experience muscle-twitching.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Dennis Kasper, M.D., Dan Longo, M.D. et al.; 2008
- National Institutes of Health: Magnesium
- "Schwartz's Principles of Surgery"; F. Charles Brunicardi, M.D.; 2010
- "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals"; Disorders of Magnesium Concentration; James L. Lewis, III, M.D.; 2009
