Frequency of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD), carries an increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies. There are no previous data in this respect regarding Mexican patients, and as genetic and cultural context can make their nutritional state differ. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the frequency of Vitamin D (VD), Cobalamin (Cbl), Zinc and folic acid (B9) deficiencies in Mexican patients with IBD. Methods: We reviewed medical records from 270 patients with IBD belonging to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic at the National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran. Clinical and sociodemographic data were registered. Statistical analysis was performed using the following cut points: VD insufficiency (21-29 ng/mL), VD deficiency (<20 ng/mL), Cbl deficiency (<180 pg/mL), Zinc deficiency (<60 μg/dl) and B9 deficiency (<6 ng/mL). Results: Of the total 270 patients studied, 224 had UC (82.96%) and 46 (17.03%) CD. A total of 225 had VD registered measures, from them, 108 (48%) VD insufficiency and 76 (33.8%) VD deficiency; 159 (58.9%) patients had registered Cbl levels, from them, 22 (13.8%) showed deficient levels. Of the 71 (26.29%) patients with registered Zinc serum levels, 5 (7%) presented deficiency. From the 166 (61.48%) patients with B9 registered levels, deficiency was found in 5 (3.01%) of them. Conclusion: The frequency of micronutrient deficiencies in IBD patients was: 48% for VD insufficiency, 33.8% for VD deficiency; 13.8% for Cbl deficiency, 7% for Zinc deficiency and 3.01% for B9 deficiency.