Nutrient absorption and IBD - why location of inflammation is important
Did you know that different nutrients are absorbed at different locations in our intestines?
Nutrient Absorption
After we have chewed and swallowed our food our intestines then have the job of extracting nutrients from it to keep all our amazing systems in our body working efficiently.
But this doesn't just happen all in one go - as food moves through our long intestines, different nutrients are absorbed at different locations but mainly along the small intestine.
The infographic below shows where each nutrient is absorbed.
Why is this important in IBD?
Alongside what we are eating (nutrient intake), knowing the location of our IBD is REALLY important in understanding what nutrients we may be at risk of being deficient in (reduced nutrient absorption).
This is because inflammation in the lining of the intestine that occurs in a flare of IBD and scaring from inflammation can damage the sites where nutrients are absorbed and reduce the surface area we have for absorption putting us at greater risk of deficiency. Removing parts of the intestines can also increase nutrient deficiency risk as absorption sites are removed.
Most nutrients are absorbed in our small intestine so Crohn's Disease in this area can increase our risk of nutrient deficiency due to absorption issues but we need to understand where the Crohn's is to understand what nutrients we need to be focusing on.
As its only the large bowel thats affected in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Colitis, we are less concerned about nutrient absorption issues in these types of IBD but there can be other concerns.
What are the other considerations for nutrient deficiency risk in IBD?
Generally we need to consider 3 factors to understand someones deficiency risk with IBD:
Nutrient intake - what nutrients are coming from food or supplements? Is this enough to cover the body's needs?
Nutrient absorption - where is the inflammation in the intestines? Is the IBD active or in remission? Have parts of the bowel been removed? Is this affecting absorption (small bowel concern mainly)?
Nutrient loss - are nutrients being lost? e.g. due to bleeding (iron losses), or diarrhea (electrolytes, zinc)
If you would like to understand how your IBD might be impacting your nutrient deficiency risk and you want support with your diet and IBD we can help you.
We are a nutrition and dietetic clinic specialising in improving the quality of life of people living with IBD. We bring clarity around food and IBD, help reduce the risk of nutrient deficiency, and remove uncertainty and fear around food.
Our IBD specialist Nutritionist (Clemmie) and specialist gastroenterology and IBD Dietician (Jess) both have IBD too so ‘get it’ and are so passionate about helping others with IBD.
If you would like support with your IBD please book a call with Clemmie via the button below so we can find out more about you, discuss how we can help and take you through our appointment options.
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We are all wonderfully unique and what works for one person may not work for another so please seek help and advice before changing your diet to work out the right way forward for you.