Iron and IBD

Low iron or a lack of it commonly causes iron deficiency anaemia. This type of anaemia leads to a reduction in the production of red blood cells and this can mean a reduced amount of oxygen being carried around the body in your blood. Iron deficiency is a common complication for people who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease but it is very easily treated.

The most common symptoms of iron deficiency are:

·         Tiredness

·         Lack of energy

·         Heart palpitations

·         Pale complexion

Less common symptoms include:

·         Headaches

·         Tinnitus

·         Altered taste

·         Itchiness

·         Sore or abnormally smooth tongue

·         Hair loss

·         Desire to eat non-food items like coal

·         Difficulty swallowing

·         Ulcers in the corner of your mouth

·         Spoon shaped nails

If the iron deficiency is left untreated it can lead to:

·         Increased risk of infections

·         Heart and lung problems

·         Restless leg syndrome

Iron deficiency can be diagnosed through a blood test by your doctor.

People who suffer from IBD who lose blood and also iron through bleeding in their stools from their intestines are usually at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency. This can happen in both people who suffer from both Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. People with Crohn’s disease in their small intestine in the duodenum are at further risk as this is where the iron is absorbed. If this is where you have your Crohn’s disease you might have an issue absorbing the iron. Some people with IBD and on a restricted diet due to the foods they can eat will not be getting enough iron through their diet. 

Most people with iron deficiency will be able to take and iron supplement orally from the doctor on a daily basis. Others will need to be given iron intravenously. This will help to boost the iron levels in your body. 

Most people find they have side effects from taking iron supplements such as cramping and constipation. 

You can also help boost your iron intake through your diet by eating foods like:

·         Dark green leafy vegetables like kale or spinach

·         Brown rice

·         Pulses and beans

·         Nuts and seeds

·         Meat, fish and tofu

·         Eggs

·         Dried fruit

·         Also some cereals and bread are also fortified with iron.

If you cannot eat all these just eat what you can tolerate to help boost your iron. I know I have dips every so often that I need to get an infusion every so often and it means 2 trips to the hospitals day case unit for a few hours. I do try to eat what I can to prevent me from having to get an infusion by eating the foods I can tolerate like beef, fish, eggs and cereals.