Crohn's disease is a bowel disease that causes inflammation of the intestinal tract, causing pain and diarrhea. It is often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 30 years old but can occur in any age group, including children, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. This condition can lead to nutritional complications, and individuals with the disease often need to take vitamins or supplements for optimal health. Before giving your child any supplements, consult with your pediatrician about what is safe and appropriate.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Strong bones are important for children and can help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis later on in life. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, up to 68 percent of individuals with Crohn's disease are deficient in vitamin D. Calcium deficiencies are also common, especially in individuals who are not able to tolerate dairy products well. Some medications for Crohn's, like corticosteroids, also deplete calcium levels and interfere with new bone growth. Since vitamin D helps the body better utilize the calcium, taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D can help both deficiencies. Talk with your child's pediatrician about whether supplementation is necessary and how much calcium should be given.
Vitamin B12 Shots
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is crucial for healthy neurological functioning, DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, explains the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. This vitamin also helps prevent anemia and aids growth and development. It is normally absorbed in the part of the small intestine called the ileum, but individuals with Crohn's disease may not be able to absorb this vitamin due to the damage the disease causes to the ileum. Children with Crohn's disease may need monthly vitamin B12 shots for the rest of their lives, especially if the ileum has been removed surgically.
Iron
Anemia is a common finding in patients with Crohn's disease, due to loss of blood, inflammation, and impaired iron absorption, states G Semrin et al, in a 2006 article. This study, published in "Inflammatory Bowel Disease," found that iron may be helpful to individuals with Crohn's disease to help reduce the risk of anemia. Iron supplements may be helpful for children with Crohn's disease, although these supplements should only be given under a doctor's supervision. Children need iron to develop properly, but too much iron can be dangerous. Before giving your child iron supplements, talk with the pediatrician about appropriate doses and whether this supplementation is even appropriate.
Considerations
Individuals with Crohn's disease are at risk for nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, and for children with this condition, these nutrients are necessary for growth and health. Not only does this disease contribute to poor vitamin absorption, but it can lead to decreased food intake due to pain, which further adds to nutritional problems. Talk with your child's pediatrician about any possible deficiencies, and what vitamins and supplements your child should consume to promote optimal health.
References
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America; Diet and Nutrition; 2009
- National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin B12
- MayoClinic.com; Crohn's Disease:Treatments and Drugs; Mayo Clinic Staff; August 2009
- PubMed.gov; "Inflammatory Bowel Disease"; Impaired Intestinal Absorption of Iron in Crohn's Disease Correlates With Disease Activity and Markers of Inflammation; G Semrin et al; 2006
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Crohn's Disease; February 2006
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