Digestive Disorders and Nutrient Deficiencies: IBS, Celiac, and Crohn’s

Vitamin B12 is often poorly absorbed in people with untreated celiac, and those with Crohn’s. However, people with ulcerative colitis are also at an increased risk. Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is essential for blood formation, and brain and nerve function. Every cell in the body requires B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with elevated homocysteine, impaired brain function, and several blood disorders.

Vitamin B12 supplements are best absorbed as methylcobalamin. Food sources include fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A is required for healthy immune function, skin, teeth, bones, vision, reproductive system, and cell membranes. There are two forms of vitamin A. Preformed vitamin A or retinol is found in animal products and pro-vitamin A carotenoids are found in plant-based foods. Carotenoids are what give vegetables the yellow, orange, or red colours, which when eaten are converted into vitamin A.

Causes of Nutrient Deficiencies in Digestive Disorders

Nutrient deficiencies are especially common in people with:

• Gluten intolerance
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Too little or too much stomach acid
• Dysbiosis (not enough good gut bacteria)

Inflammation and damage to the small and/or large intestines can lead to nutrient deficiency in people with digestive issues. The damaged gut cannot absorb enough nutrients.

Inflammation can also affect transit time, the time it takes food to move through your system. When transit time is too fast, the amount of nutrients absorbed by the body is decreased. Conversely, a slow transit time (constipation) can also cause issues.

Not eating enough of the right foods can cause nutrient deficiencies. Exclusionary diets, commonly followed by people with IBS to help pinpoint trigger foods, can lead to deficiencies. Additionally, gluten-free alternative grains and gluten-free processed foods often don’t have sufficient fibre, vitamins, and minerals, leading to further deficiency.

Also, the medications and surgical treatments for Crohn’s or colitis can further reduce the digestive system’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Each digestive disorder will require different dietary approaches during flare ups. Work with a health care practitioner who can help you address your specific needs.

In general, some tips can help most people increase their nutrients absorption:

• Eat smaller meals, more often, to help the body absorb more nutrients.
• Address constipation and/or diarrhea when possible.
• Avoid foods that increase inflammation and diarrhea, such as caffeine, lactose, deep fried foods, and alcohol. Those who struggle with diarrhea should consider including electrolytes.
• Add fibre to your diet. Soluble fibre can help to reduce diarrhea by absorbing water in the digestive tract. Insoluble fibre helps those with constipation.

Some digestive disorders such as IBS, celiac, and colitis may benefit from a probiotic. Prebiotics, found in foods such as oats and bananas, help to soothe inflammation.

Ensuring you get adequate nutrients may be more challenging if you have digestive issues such as celiac disease, IBS, or Crohn’s. Taking high-quality nutritional supplements designed for optimal absorption can help increase nutrient intake and absorption to help prevent nutrient deficiencies. Liquid and chewable supplements are better absorbed in those with severe IBD.

Not all nutritional supplements are created equal. Always read the label to check the dose and the form of the nutrient.