Inflammatory bowel disease and iron deficiency

If you have any type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you are at risk of both iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia1. The main reasons for this include: 

  • Long-term internal intestinal bleeding
  • Decreased iron absorption caused by intestinal inflammation
  • Reduced iron intake through cutting out certain iron-rich foods, for example leafy greens, if they worsen your IBD symptoms2.

How does iron deficiency impact those with Inflammatory bowel disease?

There are different types of iron deficiency and anemia that may impact those living with IBD. The three types are:

Stethoscope
Anemia of chronic disease (inflammation) 

Anemia of chronic disease (inflammation)2 is caused by the body’s immune system7 – when iron is not available to produce hemoglobin for red blood cells7. This means that fewer red blood cells are made, and their life span can be reduced7. 

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Anemia of vitamin deficiencies 

Anemia from vitamin deficiencies occurs if you do not eat enough food containing vitamin B12 and folic acid, or if you have not absorbed these nutrients from your food in your intestines2. You’re at higher risk of this type of anemia if you have Crohn’s disease – the sections of the small intestine where these nutrients are usually absorbed may be inflamed or may have been surgically removed7.   

Drugs
Drug-induced anemia

IBD treatments such as sulphasalazine and azathioprine7 can suppress the production of blood cells1 and cause this type of anemia. 

My story: living with crohn’s disease and iron deficiency

Andy, a Crohn’s disease sufferer, has had eight major surgical procedures over 15 years. Watch his video as he shares how iron deficiency has also impacted his life.

References