Vitamin and iron intake in patients with Crohn's disease

A descriptive study was conducted in 23 male and 24 female adult patients with Crohn's disease to assess nutritional status. The mean daily intake of vitamin B6 and folate by the men and the women and of iron by the women was less than the Recommended Dietary Allowances. However, the range of individual intakes varied widely. According to Nutrition Canada Interpretive Standards, 50% of the female patients had inadequate intakes of iron; 13%, of riboflavin; 21%, of thiamin; and 21%, of vitamin A. The men consumed significantly less vitamin A and folate per 1,000 kcal than the women. Serum folate was the only laboratory parameter that correlated with nutrient intake; it was correlated with dietary folate, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 intakes in the women only. Serum folate was low in 21% of the men and 26% of the women. Thus, a low serum folate was predictive of a potential risk of nutritional deficiency of folate and of vitamins B6, B12, and C. This study demonstrated that nutrient intake was reduced in some patients and therefore could be a factor contributing to observed nutritional deficiency in Crohn's disease.