Q I heard IBD impairs nutrient absorption. Are there nutrients I especially need to supplement?
A Iron, vitamin D, calcium, folate, and B12 deficiencies are common. In Crohn's especially, when the small intestine is involved, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and B12 drops markedly. It is important to check for deficiencies with regular blood tests and supplement them.
Detailed Answer
Due to chronic inflammation and malabsorption, IBD patients are vulnerable to multiple nutrient deficiencies. Iron is lost through bloody stool and diarrhea, and long-term steroid use worsens calcium and vitamin D deficiency, raising osteoporosis risk. It is advisable to check blood levels regularly with your doctor and selectively supplement the nutrients confirmed to be deficient.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, this is seen as a qi-and-blood dual deficiency state, and we support whole-body nutritional recovery with spleen-stomach-tonifying prescriptions that improve intestinal absorption. If you bring your test results, we reflect them in the prescription.
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