What vitamin deficiencies are common with Crohn's Disease

[tmgread]

Hi everyone. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow. I have only had Crohn's for six months but am already having symptoms of vitamin B deficiency and I know my vitamin D was very low years ago. What blood tests should I ask for? What vitamin deficiencies are common with this disease? I just had a colonoscopy six months ago and a CT eight weeks or so ago, what other tests might I need? Thank you! Tina

 

[belle1999]

I got CBCs a lot. I am not sure what else to ask for...but i am sure your doctor will have some he wants to do. Good luck, Tina!

 

[tmgread]

Thanks Sarahbelle. I'm not sure about the doctor ordering tests without me asking, though. None of my doctors have ever mentioned malabsorption or anything. I was actually twitching and none of them thought it could be related to the crohn's. I did a google search and found out about B12 deficiency being common in Crohn's. By my second shot, the twitching stopped. The doctor who found out that I was very low in D a few years ago told me not to worry about it. I wish I had taken supplements. Maybe it would have helped me avoid this disease. I was borderline anemic last time I had bloodwork, so a CBC is a good idea. Thanks

 

[DougUte]

Last year when being diagnosed for Essential Tremor my neurologist told me about my Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid deficiency. She told me that for "some reason" (I thought I had IBS then, not Crohns) my system was not absorbing them. She had be start taking a Vitamin B complex from ourhealthcoop.com. It disolves in the mouth. Since then, no problems. She also diagnosed Vitamin D deficiency and I am taking 2000 units a day.

 

[Manzyb]

Thanks Sarahbelle. I'm not sure about the doctor ordering tests without me asking, though. None of my doctors have ever mentioned malabsorption or anything. I was actually twitching and none of them thought it could be related to the crohn's. I did a google search and found out about B12 deficiency being common in Crohn's. By my second shot, the twitching stopped. The doctor who found out that I was very low in D a few years ago told me not to worry about it. I wish I had taken supplements. Maybe it would have helped me avoid this disease. I was borderline anemic last time I had bloodwork, so a CBC is a good idea. Thanks

When I go to the doc they usually check my CBC, liver profile, sed rate and CRP. I guess it depends on what your doc wants.

Don't beat yourself up about the Vit D thing. Crohn's is an autoimmune disease so its very unlikely that you ended up with Crohn's because you didn't take a vitamin.

Hope you are feeling well.

 

[tmgread]

Manzy, the tests the doctor ordered were the same ones that your doctor does. I also had my B12 and some electrolytes checked. I should get the results next week. You're right about letting the vitamin D thing go. I'm driving myself crazy wondering why I ended up with this disease, but that's a waste of time.

 

[Manzyb]

Manzy, the tests the doctor ordered were the same ones that your doctor does. I also had my B12 and some electrolytes checked. I should get the results next week. You're right about letting the vitamin D thing go. I'm driving myself crazy wondering why I ended up with this disease, but that's a waste of time.

Good! I'm glad you let the Vit D thing go. You did not do anything to make yourself have this disease! At first, I often wondered what I did to make myself have it. I think it is a common thing to think.

How are you feeling lately?

 

[tmgread]

I'm feeling pretty well right now. I'm relieved that the Mayo doc doesn't think that I need to go on steroids, at least not unless my blood work comes back bad.