IRON IN IBD

When most people think about the iron in their body, it reminds them about what they've heard about anemia–that's because low iron means that the red blood cells can't carry all the oxygen that needed by the rest of the body–but that's not all that iron does.  

Iron Functions:

• Binds oxygen to red blood cells so the oxygen can get to the brain and body
• Helps transmit nerve signals in the brain
• Helps muscle function

Crohnies and UCees Often Have Iron Deficiency  

If you or your child has Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (a Crohnie or UCee), you are more likely to have low iron (iron deficiency).  

Iron, like many other minerals, is absorbed in the small intestine, particularly, the upper portions. In Crohn's disease, the small intestine can be inflamed which can reduce absorption of many nutrients, including iron. In severe cases, parts of the small intestine may be removed in surgery which put a Crohnie at a greater risk for malabsorption.

Other reasons that IBD can have lower iron levels include decreased appetite (decreased intake), poor food selection, and blood loss along with  diarrhea.

Factors Causing Iron Deficiency in IBD: