Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that often starts in people aged 15 to 30. This medical condition affects the intestines, causing significant problems in the digestive system. One result of ulcerative colitis is impaired absorption of calcium in the digestive tract, which could increase your risk of certain chronic conditions. If you have ulcerative colitis, discuss your calcium levels with your doctor to make sure you get enough of this important mineral.
Disease Features
Ulcerative colitis is characterized by the formation of inflamed sores in the lining of the lower intestine and rectum. Inflammation kills cells in the intestinal lining, causing them to leak blood and pus. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, anemia, rectal bleeding, skin lesions and nutrient deficiencies. The severity of the condition varies, with some people experiencing mild symptoms and others having severe nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and other gastrointestinal distress.
Calcium Absorption
Your intestinal lining plays a critical role in absorbing calcium. Some calcium is pumped from inside the intestines into your bloodstream using proteins found in the intestinal lining. Inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining can disrupt this calcium absorption process. Taking corticosteroid medications for ulcerative colitis can further reduce calcium absorption by impairing your body's ability to manufacture vitamin D. Effective calcium absorption depends on the presence of vitamin D, so lacking this vitamin leads to low blood calcium levels.
Risks
Having low levels of calcium increases your risk of developing bone problems such as osteoporosis or osteomalacia. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become brittle and weakened, increasing your risk of a bone fracture. In osteomalacia, a lack of vitamin D causes your body to make soft bone tissue. This often causes bone pain and muscle weakness, making it difficult to stay mobile.
Treatment
People with ulcerative colitis often experience nutritional deficiencies in calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Dietary supplementation is a common part of an ulcerative colitis treatment plan. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that people with ulcerative colitis take 1,000 international units of vitamin D per day, which helps to improve calcium absorption. Taking a calcium supplement of 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day boosts your calcium levels and prevents bone problems. Discuss your condition with a physician to determine what supplements are safe and appropriate for you.
References
- Women's Health Zone: Ulcerative Colitis
- University of Michigan Department of Surgery: Ulcerative Colitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis
- Colorado State University: Absorption of Minerals and Metals
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- MayoClinic.com; Osteomalacia; May 2011
Member Comments