Vitamin Deficiencies from IBD
Vitamins are important for your body because they maintain your body's optimal health and function. Vitamin deficiencies are a real problem in IBD patients. Inflammation, diet, and IBD treatments are big contributing factors that lead to these deficiencies.
IBD causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract which inhibits the absorption of necessary nutrients from food. The lack of even one vitamin can cause a chain reaction, affecting the efficiency of other vitamins. Vitamins can be supplemented through food intake. Some foods can worsen symptoms of IBD, which is why most patients are on strict diets.
Did you know you can test your vitamin levels?
Most people do not know what their vitamin levels actually are. It can be extremely beneficial for IBD patients to test and know their vitamin levels. There are easy steps you can take to get tested.
The number one place to go to would be your healthcare provider. Your doctor will be able to give you the best guidance and advice. Especially being familiar with your condition, they will be able to tell you whether or not you will benefit from being tested. If the test is something you decide to pursue together, your doctor can order a vitamin level test which is usually taken using a blood sample.
If you wish to take a different route, there are also independent services that provide vitamin testing. Here are a few websites you can visit to explore your options:
The most common vitamin deficiencies in IBD
Calcium
Most medications taken for IBD prevent calcium absorption in the body. Calcium is important for bone strength and if ignored, can lead to osteoporosis. It is most effective when taken with Vitamin D.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps control intestinal inflammation and increase bone density in IBD and has also been shown to help prevent certain cancers that are more common in IBD patients. A deficiency of Vitamin D can come from a lack of sun exposure, and from a lack of calcium.
B12
Vitamin B12 is absorbed through the small intestine. A lack of B12 can lead to fatigue. Supplementing this vitamin will promote energy and reduces inflammation.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in the functioning of the muscles, as well as maintaining health in the heart, bones, and nerves.
Iron
IBD patients can experience an iron deficiency because of chronic bleeding in the intestinal tract, along with malabsorption. Iron is a key part of hemoglobin which supplies your blood with oxygen. A severe lack of iron could lead to anemia.
Zinc
Zinc helps fight off bacteria and assists in tissue regeneration. Zinc is lost in stool which can become deficient in IBD patients who experience chronic diarrhea. A lack of zinc can cause weakness, slow healing, and a diminished sense of hearing, taste, and sight.
How IBDassist can help you
IBDassist contains all the vitamins that have been listed above, as well as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Turmeric Powder, Ginger, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Potassium, Black Pepper, Boswellia, and Turkey Tail Mushroom. We have partnered with our team of physician advisors to add all necessary substances to offer our patients the maximum symptom relief.
If you decide that taking IBDassist is the right decision for you, we recommend monitoring your vitamin levels to see the changes from before taking it, to after. Every case of IBD is different. Some customers see results after 2 weeks while others start to see results after 2 months.
We have put a lot of thought and effort into developing a unique formula that helps IBD patients have the best quality of life.
Sources:
Very Well Health. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in IBD. (2020).
https://www.verywellhealth.com/vitamin-and-mineral-deficiencies-in-ibd-1943017
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation. (2020).
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/diet-and-nutrition/supplementation
