Most of us know that iron is an important mineral needed by the body for production of blood. What you may not know is that people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) may be at risk for iron deficiency.
Iron is absorbed in the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells) carries about 2/3 of the iron found in the body. Hemoglobin is vital to the body, as it supplies tissues and organs with oxygen. The body keeps a small reserve of iron, about 15% of the total iron content, in case iron levels start to get low.
As the body's store of iron gets low (a condition known as anemia) it begins to take more iron from food sources. When iron is at more normal levels, the body absorbs less iron from foods.
In people with IBD, iron levels can be lowered due to bleeding. People with Crohn's and colitis often experience some blood loss in their stool. The amount of blood varies widely from person to person. This problem is more common when the large intestine is involved rather than the small intestine.
When iron levels are low, a diet high in iron may help correct the problem. Iron is founds in two forms: heme, which is found in meat, and non-heme, which is found in plants. The body more readily absorbs heme iron. A diet with adequate levels of vitamin C will help in absorbing non-heme iron. Foods that are high in iron include:
- Soybeans (non-heme)
- Chicken Liver (heme)
- Lentils (non-heme)
- Oysters (heme)
- Grits (non-heme)
- Beef (chuck and tenderloin) (heme)
- Clams (heme)
- Turkey (heme)
For people with IBD, iron supplements may be necessary. Supplements are usually given in a dose of 300 mg taken from one to three times per day. Iron supplements should be used with care because they can cause cramping and constipation. Taking iron supplements with food may lessen these side effects. Iron supplements come in either ferrous or ferric form. The body more readily absorbs Ferrous.
Too much iron can be toxic, especially to children. A physician should closely supervise children with IBD who need iron supplementation.
Folic acid is another important component the body needs to help prevent anemia. Folic acid, or folate, is needed to make new red blood cells. One of the medications regularly prescribed for ulcerative colitis, sulfasalzine (brand name Azulfadine) is associated with malabsorption of folic acid. Supplements (usually prescribed for 1 milligram a day) or a diet high in folic acid may help correct this deficiency.
If you suspect that your iron levels may be low, consult your doctor. Anemia is diagnosed by a simple blood test, and easily corrected through proper diet or supplementation.
