Supplements, like calcium, probiotics, and vitamin D, may help reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms. It’s important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements for proper dosage.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition known for causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms that may interfere with your quality of life.
However, this type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also lead to complications. Some of these are linked to nutrient deficiencies.
To help prevent complications and support your overall diet, a doctor may recommend a combination of the following nutrients for UC, sometimes in the form of a supplement. Here’s what you need to know about supplement types, benefits, and their risks.
Probiotics consist of live microorganisms, such as bacteria. In general, probiotics help influence your gut microbiome, which may, in turn, help reduce gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort.
Experts also think there’s a link between chronic inflammatory diseases, such as UC, and imbalances in your gut microbiome. One 2023 literature review found that, while more clinical studies are needed, current research suggests probiotics may help reduce UC-related inflammation.
Probiotics are widely available in supplemental form, but they are also found in fermented foods, such as:
- yogurt
- sauerkraut
- kimchi
- kombucha
Possible side effects are mild, with gas being the most common.
Bone problems, such as osteoporosis, are common complications of UC due to bone loss from taking long-term corticosteroids. To help prevent this, a doctor may recommend increasing calcium in your diet or taking a calcium supplement.
Interestingly, a
Calcium-rich foods include:
- low fat milk
- yogurt
- dark, leafy greens
- fortified foods, such as cereals
If you’re taking a calcium supplement, consider taking it with vitamin D for best results.
Certain UC medications, such as sulfasalazine, may block your body’s ability to absorb folic acid. Also known as vitamin B9, this nutrient helps with cellular function and assists with fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It also supports fetal brain development.
A doctor may recommend a supplement if you’re not getting enough folic acid from your diet. Folic acid is naturally found in:
- beans
- fortified cereals
- beef liver
- lettuce and dark, leafy greens
- rice
Taking too much folic acid in supplement form may cause GI upset, as well as neurological problems.
Another complication associated with UC is iron deficiency anemia, which means your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. Anemia is thought to develop from intestinal inflammation and bleeding ulcers in UC.
An iron supplement may help treat and prevent anemia in UC, but it’s important to have a doctor check your blood levels first. Taking too much iron can cause GI upset, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Iron-rich food sources include:
- beef
- beans
- spinach
- sardines
- fortified cereals
Like iron, vitamin B12 helps keep your blood cells healthy while reducing the risk of nerve problems. While some people with IBD experience symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as fatigue, one
Those who live with Crohn’s disease and have undergone a small bowel resection are at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. The most common section of the small bowel resected in Crohn’s disease is the terminal ileum, which is where vitamin B12 is absorbed.
As such, researchers caution against taking supplements unless a doctor confirms a vitamin B12 deficiency through blood testing.
You can also find vitamin B12 in:
- beef
- seafood
- milk
- fortified cereals
- liver
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. It is a critical fat-soluble nutrient that also helps reduce and prevent inflammation. For these two reasons, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recommends vitamin D supplementation for all adults with IBD.
Additionally, you may consider vitamin D-rich food sources, such as:
- milk
- fish
- orange juice
- fortified cereals
- fortified yogurt
Still, getting too much vitamin D can have harmful effects, such as kidney problems, an irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness. It’s important to have a doctor check your vitamin D levels and make specific dosage recommendations.
Besides vitamin D, UC can cause malabsorption of other fat-soluble nutrients due to intestinal inflammation. These include vitamins A, E, and K.
Like vitamin D, a doctor needs to check your levels to determine how much of a deficiency of these nutrients you might have. These nutrients are available as stand-alone supplements but are also found in multivitamins.
You can also consider incorporating the following foods into your diet:
- Vitamin A: carrots, cantaloupe, or sweet potatoes
- Vitamin E: peanuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds and oils
- Vitamin K: leafy greens, broccoli, or soybeans and their oils
Significant intestinal inflammation in UC, as well as associated symptoms, such as diarrhea, can alter your body’s zinc levels. This mineral helps support your immune system and is a common nutrient deficiency in people with IBD.
However, getting too much zinc can have the opposite effect by lowering your immune function and causing GI upset. A doctor can help determine how much zinc you might need.
Food sources of zinc include:
- beef
- fortified cereals
- poultry
- nuts
- whole grains
Consider talking with a doctor before taking any supplements. Except for probiotics, lab tests can check for true nutritional deficiencies and recommend the right dose. You’ll also need to get your blood tested periodically to make sure your levels are within an optimal range.
A doctor may also make specific brand recommendations. When choosing over-the-counter supplements, it’s important to avoid additives that may cause flares. They may recommend avoiding brands with the following ingredients:
- artificial colors
- preservatives
- lactose
- sugar alcohols
Also, be sure to read the product labels carefully for directions. Most supplements are taken with a meal and a full glass of water. Report any adverse reactions, such as diarrhea and nausea, to a doctor.
For many people, ulcerative (UC) can cause nutritional deficiencies and subsequent health complications. This is directly related to intestinal inflammation, ulcers, and medications you might take to help manage this condition.
The good news is once a doctor has identified such deficiencies, they can recommend supplements or dietary modifications to help prevent complications. Talk with them before beginning any new supplement.
