Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can impact your body’s ability to properly digest food and absorb nutrients, which may lead to serious vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. 

Signs of malnourishment include:

• Under-eating and/or severely restricting the variety and types of foods eaten

• Weight loss

• General fatigue and low energy

• Weakness

• Loss of muscle mass

• Vitamin and mineral deficiency

There are steps you can take to maintain healthy nutrition even if your diet is limited by IBD.

• Get tested for vitamin and mineral deficiencies even if you aren’t showing symptoms of malnutrition.

• Avoid foods that worsen your symptoms.

• Work with your healthcare team to identify a list of foods that may help you maintain well-balanced nutrition.

References:

1. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/diet-and-nutrition/malnutrition-and-ibd