"Nutritional supplements are great for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who may need a bit of extra help preventing a nutritional deficiency.

Your healthcare providers may also recommend a vitamin and/or mineral supplementation plan if your tests show you already have a nutritional deficiency.

You may be able to get all your necessary vitamins and minerals from eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet. But flares, severe symptoms, surgeries, and other complications may make it difficult for some patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to get enough nutrients from food alone.

Common supplements include: calcium, folic acid, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamins A, E, and K, and Zinc. 

Check with your doctor or other healthcare providers before taking any supplements, including over-the-counter medications, herbs, and other complementary therapies.

• Some supplements can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea.

• Check the labels on your supplements for lactose, artificial colors, sugar alcohols, or preservatives, all which can aggravate your IBD, especially when you are in a flare.

• Most supplements should not be taken on an empty stomach."

References:

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