CROHN'S PATIENTS DON'T EAT WELL AND RISK UNDERNUTRITION

Those with Crohn's disease (Crohnies) often don't eat as much as they should –and what they don't eat can cause problems. Whether they have a decreased appetite and don't feel like eating or they're trying to control their nausea, pain or diarrhea, these Crohnies aren't eating enough.

Compared with healthy people, they don't get as much:

• Calcium
• Vitamin A, C, D, E and K
• Iron and zinc
• Fiber
• Calories
• Carbohydrates (starches and healthy sugars)

In part, that's because

• 29% avoid grains –which lowers the calories, carbohydrates and can lower B vitamins
• 28% avoid milk—lowers calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K
• 18% avoid vegetables—lowers vitamin C and E, and can lower minerals
• 11% avoid fruits–can lower fiber, calories, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium