Which nutritional deficiency is commonly seen in patients with Crohn's disease?

Patients with Crohn's disease often experience malabsorption due to inflammation and damage in the gastrointestinal tract. This condition can lead to various nutritional deficiencies, and one of the particular deficiencies that can arise is zinc deficiency.

Zinc plays a critical role in numerous biological functions, including immune system function, wound healing, and protein synthesis. In Crohn's disease, the inflammation can impair the intestines' ability to absorb nutrients, leading to deficiencies such as zinc. Cardboard-belly symptoms, diarrhea, and reduced dietary intake further contribute to this deficiency in patients.

While zinc deficiency is indeed common, it’s worth noting that Crohn's disease can also lead to deficiencies in other nutrients, such as iron and calcium, depending on the area of the gastrointestinal tract affected and the dietary habits of the patient. However, zinc deficiency is particularly notable because it not only impacts physical health through immune function and wound healing but may also influence the overall management of the disease and the recovery process.