Crohn’s Disease - Supplements

A full feeling in your stomach, accompanied by abdominal pain and regular bouts of diarrhea, may be signs of Crohn’s disease. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

Fill up on fiber
Improve stool quality and other symptoms by eating high-fiber fruits and vegetables and by taking fiber supplements such as psyllium or glucomannan
Fight back with fish
Prevent relapses by frequently eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines
Take a daily multivitamin
Choose a comprehensive formula containing zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D to prevent deficiencies caused by poor absorption
Discover beneficial bacteria
Take 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii three times a day to help control diarrhea

Also indexed as:

abdominal disorder,
abdominal problems,
Crohns,
Crohns disease,
Crohn's disease,
dietary supplements,
digestion problems,
digestive problems,
gastrointestinal disorder,
gastrointestinal problems,
GI problems,
regional enteritis,
stomach problems,
supplements

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin D	1,000 IU daily under medical supervision	Vitamin D malabsorption is common in Crohn’s and can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin. Supplementation can help prevent bone loss in cases of deficiency.
Vitamin D 1,000 IU daily under medical supervision Vitamin D malabsorption is common in Crohn’s¹⁷ and can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin.¹⁸ Successful treatment with vitamin D for osteomalacia (bone brittleness caused by vitamin D deficiency) triggered by Crohn’s disease has been reported.¹⁹ Another study found 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D prevented bone loss in people with Crohn’s, while an unsupplemented group experienced significant bone loss.²⁰ A doctor should evaluate vitamin D status and suggest the right level of vitamin D supplements. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
DHEA	Take under medical supervision: 200 mg daily	In a preliminary trial, six of seven people with Crohn’s disease went into remission after taking DHEA for eight weeks.
DHEA Take under medical supervision: 200 mg daily In a preliminary trial, six of seven people with Crohn’s disease went into remission after taking 200 mg per day of DHEA for eight weeks.²¹ This large amount of DHEA has the potential to cause adverse side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Fish Oil	2.7 grams daily omega-3 fatty acids in enteric-coated capsules	Fish oil helps relieve the inflammation of the gut that occurs in people suffering from Crohn’s disease.
Fish Oil 2.7 grams daily omega-3 fatty acids in enteric-coated capsules Inflammation within the gut occurs in people suffering from Crohn’s disease. EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory activity. Though research is conflicting, there is some evidence that fish oil improves Crohn's disease symptoms. A two-year trial compared the effects of having people with Crohn’s disease eat 3.5 to 7 ounces of fish high in EPA and DHA per day or having them eat a diet low in fish.²² In that trial, the fish-eating group had a 20% relapse rate compared with 58% among those not eating fish. Salmon, herring, mackerel, albacore tuna, and sardines are all high in EPA and DHA. In a double-blind trial, people with Crohn’s disease who took supplements providing 2.7 g of EPA/DHA per day had a recurrence rate of 26% after one year, compared to a 59% recurrence rate among those taking placebo.²³ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Multivitamin	Follow label instructions	People with Crohn’s disease may benefit from taking a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement to offset the deficiencies caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption.
Multivitamin Follow label instructions Crohn’s disease often leads to malabsorption. As a result, deficiencies of many nutrients are common. For this reason, it makes sense for people with Crohn’s disease to take a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement. In particular, deficiencies in zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron have been reported.²⁴ ^{, 25} ^{, 26} Zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are all needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Some doctors recommend 25 to 50 mg of zinc (balanced with 2 to 4 mg of copper), 800 mcg of folic acid, and 800 mcg of vitamin B12. Iron status should be evaluated by a doctor before considering supplementation.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Probiotics	At least 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii taken three times per day	In double-blind research, diarrhea caused by Crohn’s disease has partially responded to supplementation with the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii.
Probiotics At least 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii taken three times per day In double-blind research, diarrhea caused by Crohn’s disease has partially responded to supplementation with the beneficial bacterium Saccharomyces boulardii.²⁷ Although the amount used in this trial, 250 mg taken three times per day, was helpful, as much as 500 mg taken four times per day has been administered in research successfully using Saccharomyces boulardii as a supplement with people suffering from other forms of diarrhea.²⁸ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin K	80 to 1,000 mcg daily	Taking vitamin K can counteract the deficiency and resulting bone loss that can occur in people with Crohn’s disease.
Vitamin K 80 to 1,000 mcg daily In people with Crohn's disease, vitamin K deficiency can result from malabsorption due to intestinal inflammation or bowel surgery, from chronic diarrhea, or from dietary changes necessitated by food intolerance. In addition, Crohn's disease is often treated with antibiotics that have the potential to kill beneficial vitamin K–producing bacteria in the intestines. Vitamin K levels were significantly lower in a group of people with Crohn's disease than in healthy people. Moreover, the rate of bone loss in the Crohn's disease patients increased with increasing degrees of vitamin K deficiency.²⁹ When combined with earlier evidence that vitamin K is required to maintain healthy bones, this study suggests that vitamin K deficiency is a contributing factor to the accelerated bone loss that often occurs in people with Crohn's disease. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Zinc	25 to 50 mg of zinc (with 2 to 4 mg of copper to avoid depletion) per day	Zinc is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption.
Zinc 25 to 50 mg of zinc (with 2 to 4 mg of copper to avoid depletion) per day Crohn’s disease often leads to malabsorption. As a result, deficiencies of many nutrients are common. For this reason, it makes sense for people with Crohn’s disease to take a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement. In particular, deficiencies in zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron have been reported.³⁰ ^{, 31} ^{, 32} Zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are all needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Some doctors recommend 25 to 50 mg of zinc (balanced with 2 to 4 mg of copper), 800 mcg of folic acid, and 800 mcg of vitamin B12 daily. Iron status should be evaluated by a doctor before considering supplementation. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Agrimony	Refer to label instructions	Agrimony is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine.
Agrimony Tannin-containing herbs may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and have been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. A preliminary trial using isolated tannins in the course of usual drug therapy for Crohn’s disease found them to be more effective for reducing diarrhea than was no additional treatment.³³ Tannin-containing herbs of potential benefit include agrimony (Agrimonia spp.), green tea, oak, witch hazel, and cranesbill. Use of such herbs should be discontinued before the diarrhea is completely resolved; otherwise the disease may be aggravated.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Aloe	Refer to label instructions	Aloe juice has historically been recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease.
Aloe A variety of anti-inflammatory herbs historically have been recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. These include yarrow, chamomile, licorice, and aloe juice. Cathartic preparations of aloe should be avoided. No research has been conducted to validate the use of these herbs for Crohn’s disease. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Chamomile	Refer to label instructions	Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory herb historically recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease.
Chamomile A variety of anti-inflammatory herbs historically have been recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. These include yarrow, chamomile, licorice, and aloe juice. Cathartic preparations of aloe should be avoided. No research has been conducted to validate the use of these herbs for Crohn’s disease. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Cranesbill	Refer to label instructions	Doctors sometimes recommend this astringent herb in combination with several other herbs to sooth the digestive tract. Because it contains tannin, it may help decrease diarrhea.
Cranesbill Doctors sometimes use a combination of herbs to soothe inflammation throughout the digestive tract. One formula contains marshmallow, slippery elm, cranesbill, and several other herbs.³⁴ Marshmallow and slippery elm are mucilaginous plants that help soothe inflamed tissues. Cranesbill is an astringent. Clinical trials using this combination have not been conducted. Tannin-containing herbs may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and have been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. A preliminary trial using isolated tannins in the course of usual drug therapy for Crohn’s disease found them to be more effective for reducing diarrhea than was no additional treatment.³⁵ Tannin-containing herbs of potential benefit include agrimony (Agrimonia spp.), green tea, oak, witch hazel, and cranesbill. Use of such herbs should be discontinued before the diarrhea is completely resolved; otherwise the disease may be aggravated. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Digestive Enzymes	Refer to label instructions	Supplementing with enzymes might improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn’s disease.
Digestive Enzymes People with Crohn’s disease may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes, including lipase.³⁶ In theory, supplementing with enzymes might improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn’s disease. However, people with Crohn’s disease considering supplementation with enzymes should consult a doctor. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Folic Acid	Refer to label instructions	Folic acid is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption.
Folic Acid Crohn’s disease often leads to malabsorption. As a result, deficiencies of many nutrients are common. For this reason, it makes sense for people with Crohn’s disease to take a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement. In particular, deficiencies in zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron have been reported.³⁷ ^{, 38} ^{, 39} Zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are all needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Some doctors recommend 25 to 50 mg of zinc (balanced with 2 to 4 mg of copper), 800 mcg of folic acid, and 800 mcg of vitamin B12. Iron status should be evaluated by a doctor before considering supplementation. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Green Tea	Refer to label instructions	Green tea is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine.
Green Tea Tannin-containing herbs may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and have been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. A preliminary trial using isolated tannins in the course of usual drug therapy for Crohn’s disease found them to be more effective for reducing diarrhea than was no additional treatment.⁴⁰ Tannin-containing herbs of potential benefit include agrimony (Agrimonia spp.), green tea, oak, witch hazel, and cranesbill. Use of such herbs should be discontinued before the diarrhea is completely resolved; otherwise the disease may be aggravated. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Licorice	Refer to label instructions	Licorice is an anti-inflammatory herb historically recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease.
Licorice A variety of anti-inflammatory herbs historically have been recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. These include yarrow, chamomile, licorice, and aloe juice. Cathartic preparations of aloe should be avoided. No research has been conducted to validate the use of these herbs for Crohn’s disease. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Lipase	Refer to label instructions	People with Crohn’s disease may be deficient in lipase. Supplementing with enzymes might improve the malabsorption that is associated with the disease.
Lipase People with Crohn’s disease may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes, including lipase.⁴¹ In theory, supplementing with enzymes might improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn’s disease. However, people with Crohn’s disease considering supplementation with enzymes should consult a doctor. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Marshmallow	Refer to label instructions	Marshmallow helps soothe inflamed tissues. Doctors sometimes use this herb in combination with slippery elm, cranesbill, and several other herbs to sooth the digestive tract.
Marshmallow Doctors sometimes use a combination of herbs to soothe inflammation throughout the digestive tract. One formula contains marshmallow, slippery elm, cranesbill, and several other herbs.⁴² Marshmallow and slippery elm are mucilaginous plants that help soothe inflamed tissues. Cranesbill is an astringent. Clinical trials using this combination have not been conducted. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Oak	Refer to label instructions	Oak is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine.
Oak Tannin-containing herbs may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and have been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. A preliminary trial using isolated tannins in the course of usual drug therapy for Crohn’s disease found them to be more effective for reducing diarrhea than was no additional treatment.⁴³ Tannin-containing herbs of potential benefit include agrimony (Agrimonia spp.), green tea, oak, witch hazel, and cranesbill. Use of such herbs should be discontinued before the diarrhea is completely resolved; otherwise the disease may be aggravated. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Slippery Elm	Refer to label instructions	Slippery elm helps soothe inflamed tissues. Doctors sometimes use this herb in combination with marshmallow, cranesbill, and several other herbs to sooth the digestive tract.
Slippery Elm Doctors sometimes use a combination of herbs to soothe inflammation throughout the digestive tract. One formula contains marshmallow, slippery elm, cranesbill, and several other herbs.⁴⁴ Marshmallow and slippery elm are mucilaginous plants that help soothe inflamed tissues. Cranesbill is an astringent. Clinical trials using this combination have not been conducted. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Turmeric	Refer to label instructions	Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In one study, people given turmeric saw an improvement after three months.
Turmeric Curcumin is a compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa) that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In a preliminary trial, four of five people with Crohn's disease had an improvem ent in their condition after supplementing with curcumin for three months. The amount used was 360 mg three times a day for one month, followed by 360 mg four times a day for two months.⁴⁵ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin A	Refer to label instructions	Vitamin A is needed for the growth and repair of cells that line both the small and large intestine and can improve symptoms in people with Crohn’s disease.
Vitamin A Vitamin A is needed for the growth and repair of cells that line both the small and large intestine.⁴⁶ At least two case reports describe people with Crohn’s disease who have responded to vitamin A supplementation.⁴⁷^{, 48} However, in one trial, vitamin A supplementation failed to maintain remission of the disease.⁴⁹ Therefore, although some doctors recommend 50,000 IU per day for adults with Crohn’s disease, this approach remains unproven. An amount this high should never be taken without qualified guidance, nor should it be given to a woman who is or could become pregnant. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin B12	Refer to label instructions	Vitamin B12 is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption.
Vitamin B12 Crohn’s disease often leads to malabsorption. As a result, deficiencies of many nutrients are common. For this reason, it makes sense for people with Crohn’s disease to take a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement. In particular, deficiencies in zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron have been reported.⁵⁰ ^{, 51} ^{, 52} Zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are all needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Some doctors recommend 25 to 50 mg of zinc (balanced with 2 to 4 mg of copper), 800 mcg of folic acid, and 800 mcg of vitamin B12. Iron status should be evaluated by a doctor before considering supplementation. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Witch Hazel	Refer to label instructions	Witch hazel is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine.
Witch Hazel Tannin-containing herbs may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and have been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. A preliminary trial using isolated tannins in the course of usual drug therapy for Crohn’s disease found them to be more effective for reducing diarrhea than was no additional treatment.⁵³ Tannin-containing herbs of potential benefit include agrimony (Agrimonia spp.), green tea, oak, witch hazel, and cranesbill. Use of such herbs should be discontinued before the diarrhea is completely resolved; otherwise the disease may be aggravated. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Yarrow	Refer to label instructions	Yarrow is an anti-inflammatory herb historically recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease.
Yarrow A variety of anti-inflammatory herbs historically have been recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. These include yarrow, chamomile, licorice, and aloe juice. Cathartic preparations of aloe should be avoided. No research has been conducted to validate the use of these herbs for Crohn’s disease. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

References

Last Review: 05-11-2011

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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