Some nutritional supplements may be effective for Crohn’s, particularly if you’re dealing with nutrient deficiencies caused by inflammation and malabsorption, Le Mire says. But she recommends speaking with your doctor first about what may be appropriate for you if your blood tests show a deficiency.
- B vitamins Many people with Crohn’s have a B12 deficiency. Abramowitz recommends discussing supplementation with your doctor, and if approved, taking B12 supplements to fight off weakness and fatigue.
- Iron Iron supplements might be recommended if your doctor notes a deficiency, because these levels also tend to be below normal in Crohn’s patients. Iron is important to maintain proper hemoglobin levels, which deliver oxygen to all parts of the body, and keep energy levels normal.
- Magnesium Crohn’s patients tend to be low in magnesium, and supplementing could improve symptom management and sleep quality.
- Vitamin D Supplementing with vitamin D may be helpful, as deficiencies among people with IBD are common, with 35 to 100 percent of Crohn’s patients being deficient. Research has shown that doses of 2,000 IU per day can lead to improvements in the disease and a patient’s quality of life. Vitamin D helps keep your bones strong and plays a role in your immune system, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
- Calcium Common Crohn’s medications, such as corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory medications, can affect bone health, so supplementing with calcium (especially when combined with vitamin D) can fill in the gaps.
“It’s important to note these supplements don’t treat Crohn’s directly, but they help correct or prevent deficiencies that often come with it,” Le Mire says. “When we restore nutrient status, we support the body’s ability to recover from flares, tolerate treatment better, and build a stronger foundation for long-term stability.”
When you seek out dietary supplements and herbal remedies for Crohn’s disease, it’s crucial to remember that such supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s best to speak to your gastroenterologist or registered dietitian before trying anything new.
To choose a quality supplement, check the label for USP, NSF, or ConsumerLabs Approved. This means the product has undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.
Abramowitz also stresses the importance of consulting your doctor before taking any supplements. “Since supplements aren’t regulated, I’m against patients just randomly using them from the health-food store,” she says. “Some could cause liver toxicity or result in other adverse health issues.”
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