Dietary supplements for Crohn's disease

Along with following a careful diet regimen, taking the right vitamins and supplements is essential for treating IBD. This article specifically addresses the vitamins and supplements found to help Crohn's disease . Management of disease through supplements is essential for a few reasons:

• First, it can help control the immune system, which contributes to the source of the disease.
• Given that Crohn’s disease affects the digestive tract and nutrition levels, it is only logical that maintaining proper vitamins and minerals would be essential for basic health and healing.

This article addresses some of the most essential vitamins and minerals to take based on the perspective of a number of patients who have suffered from the disease for years. Given sensitivity, location and severity of disease, as well as, tolerance and sensitivity to supplements, the list below may vary by individual. As with all aspects of managing this disease, it is really important to carefully listen to your body and try to monitor what seems to be helping and what seems to upset it.

Essential Supplements to Take

Acidophilus or Probiotics

Probiotics are essentially microorganisms that add to the healthy fauna (bacteria) of the intestine. All digestive tracts are lined with bacteria that aid in the digestion of food. Their role is to keep the gut healthy and balanced by eliminating foods that are bad for the gut, such as rancid foods, and aiding in the digestion of other foods. These miscroorganisms tend to be out of balance in those with Inflammatory bowel disease. As a result the gut becomes an inhospitable place for the good bacteria to reside, and instead, the ‘bad’ bacteria take over. This can lead to a yeast overgrowth, a condition knowns as Candidiasis. . This can not only impact digestion, but also influences the body’s function in other areas.

Choosing a probiotic

When choosing a probiotic, try to find one that does not contain dairy, given that dairy is known to upset the gut. Also try to find one that contains both the L. acidophilus and the L. bifidus organisms. There are many great brands, such as Kyodophilus. One particular one that has received much attention as of late is Probiotics by Garden of Life.

When to take your probiotic

It is best to take the probiotics a few times a day, each time on an empty stomach if possible. Take with 8oz of water (room temperature water is better than cold water, if possible.) Start with taking one pill in the morning and then work your way up to 2-6 depending on brand and your current health situation.

Digestive Enzymes

Given digestion is impaired with Crohn’s disease, assisting with the breakdown of foods is essential - both for an increase in absorption of nutrients and to minimize the pain of undigested food passing through the lower parts of the gut. Finding and regularly taking a good digestive enzyme could be one of the most essential parts of maintaining more healthy digestion with Crohn’s disease.

Choosing a digestive enzyme

There are many digestive enzymes on the market. Choosing the one that is right for you may take some trial and error. Generally, Crohn’s patients need the stronger of the ones offered - or they need to increase the recommended dose in each serving. It helps to choose an enzyme that is in capsule rather than pill format. Capsules break down more easily and run less risk of passing through the gut undigested. Note, there are some that are better than others - so be prepared to try a few brands before finding one that you like. Some have found Twin Labs, Superzyme to be more effective than others.

When to take your digestive enzymes

Take them with each meal. Follow as directed on the label and consider increasing the dose if you are in an acute state or a flare. It might also make sense to take a smaller dose anytime you have a snack. It is best to take the enzymes immediately before eating your food; however, if you forget, it is still helpful to take them shortly after.

Vitamin B Complex

Given immune response and lack of absorption of vitamins in the digestive tract, many patients suffer from a deficiency in B vitamins and iron. Maintaining healthy levels of both of these can help to slow the overall malabsorption in the gut. B vitamins help to increase absorption of iron. Once a patient becomes anemic, it can be harder to battle the spiral of the illness and flares as anemia can lower the body’s ability to fight other ailments. B vitamins will make the patient stronger and aid in overall healing of the body.

Choosing a B Vitamin

It is best to purchase a B vitamin that contains both B12 and folic acid. Given that B vitamins can be hard to digest and breakdown, it is essential to find one that has maximum digestibility. Sublingual forms tend to be the most absorbable; a good brand is by Source Naturals and is called Coenzymate B Complex.

When to take your B complex

Take your B vitamins with food as directed on the label. Note, you may notice that your urine becomes much more yellow. This is common as much of the vitamins are extreted in the urine. If you are also taking an iron supplement, take it when you take your B vitamin.

Iron Supplement

It is common for those suffering from Crohn's or Colitis to also have anemia If you are anemic, you should take iron supplements. It is essential to take this with food, and helps to combine taking them with citrus type foods, such as berries or other foods high in vitamin C. This increases the absorption. However, do not take iron pills unless you have been told by a doctor that you are anemic and that you should do so. Taking too much iron (or taking iron when your body does not need it) can be toxic.

Choosing an Iron Supplement

Find one that is digestible, preferably liquid format. Floradix makes a great one. If you also need to have pills for transportability, stick to a pill in capsule format.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential in the healing of the gut and the control of free radicals in the body; (free radicals are thought by many to contribute to both the onset and severity of Crohn’s disease.) It helps to prevent inflammation and to boost immunity. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of many essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and B vitamins.

Choosing your Vitamin C

Take a buffered type that is easiest on the digestive tract. Purchase a higher quality one so that absorption is best.

When to take your C vitamin

Follow directions for dose on the label. Take your C vitamin with food otherwise it will just excrete out in the urine. Consider taking it when you take your other vitamins so increase absorption. Spacing out the intake of your Vitamin C is most helpful, as too much at one time will not be absorbed.

Essential Fatty Acids/ Omega 3

This is really important in controlling inflammation in Crohn’s disease. There have been a few research studies that have proven the positive impact that Omega 3s (found in fish oils) have had on reducing inflammation/flare ups in those with Crohn’s.

Choosing your Omega 3

It is best if you can find one from a fish source. However, given recent problem of mercury levels in cold water fish, it is key to find a supplement that is free of this. Check all labels- find those from the pursest waters that state they are free from toxins and mercury. If you cannot find one, take a Flax Oil or Primrose Oil supplement.

When to take your Omega 3

Follow the directions on the label.

Other Supplements to consider taking

Multi-Vitamin Given malnutrition often associated with Crohn’s disease, it is important to get all the essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to good health. A high quality multi-vitamin can help you do this. Note, check the levels of iron, vitamin C and calcium in the multi. Make sure you are combining your other supplements appropriately with doses provided in the multi.

Some have found good results with the brand name multi-vitamin, called Forvia. FORVIA contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K in water-miscible form to enable good absorption and utilization. People with IBD (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis are at increased risk for low levels of these vitamins.

Calcium Proper calcium intake is key for those with Crohn’s. Years of the disease can lead to lower levels of calcium and, as a result, lower bone density. Calcium can be hard on the gut, so it is important to find that agrees with you. Starting a regular calcium regimen early on, even if you are young, is really important.

Herbs Some find herbs to be helpful in controlling inflammation. Ones that have been noted are Aloe Vera extract, licorice root, slippery elm, amongst many others. As always, do your research before taking any of these. And start slowly to see what works for you.

Chinese herbs Lastly, some have had much success with the effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine. However, Chinese herbs can be quite strong and often hard to break down in the digestive tract. Proceed with caution, and only take herbs given from a qualified doctor trained in Chinese medicine Traditional Chinese medicine.

Type of Supplements to Purchase

There are thousands of vitamin and supplement brands out there. It is worth doing your research and finding the highest quality ones. This often means paying a bit more for better grades and in more digestible forms. The most important is digestibilty - with the a poor quality vitamin, you may irritate the gut more or not absorb the needed substance (which would also be a waste of money.)

Where to purchase Your supplements

Most natural grocery stores, such as Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and Real Foods, etc. sell a full selection of high quality dietary supplements. Note, you can also find most brands at discount stores online. Buying brand names you know on the internet can save a tremendous amount of money. And many of them have frequent shopper cards so if you plan to be a regular buyer, you will recognize additional savings.

References

• More information on what herbs and vitamins to take for Crohn's disease is listed in detail in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Balch.

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