Crohn's Disease Dietary Therapy

Vitamins

Vitamin intake is particularly important for CD patients. This needs to be discussed with your physician.

• Multiple vitamin with minerals – For most CD patients, a daily multiple vitamin can be recommended.
• Folic acid or folate – Be sure this is present in your multivitamin.  Fruit is a rich source of folate.
• Vitamin B12 – Some Crohn’s patients do not absorb enough B12 and they may need monthly injections.  The physician will want to check the blood level periodically.
• Vitamin D – This vitamin is important for bone health.  Crohn’s Disease patients may be particularly susceptible to the early development of weak bones or osteoporosis.  Vitamin D deficiency in the general population has now been found to be far more common than was previously thought.  Some experts are now recommending at least 800 IU and even 1200 IU per day, along with at least 1200 mg of calcium in the form of milk and/or supplements such as calcium carbonate.  Check with your physician.