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