Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. It differs from ulcerative colitis in three major ways: it can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus; it usually exhibits patches of inflammation; it can affect multiple layers of tissue.

Quick Answer

What it is

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. It differs from ulcerative colitis in three major ways: it can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus; it usually exhibits patches of inflammation; it can affect multiple layers of tissue.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Crohn's Disease Symptoms (Glutamine)
  • Grade D: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (Cannabis)
  • Grade N/A: Hematocrit (Cannabis)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Crohn's Disease

  • Supplements Studied:6
  • Research Trials:9
  • Total Participants:520
  • Top Supplement:Glutamine (D)
9 trials
520 ppts
6 supps · 16 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Moderate Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

2000-4000 IU daily (higher doses may be needed based on levels)

Deficiency very common; supports immune modulation and bone health

15 studies | 1,000 participants
2-4g EPA+DHA daily

Anti-inflammatory; may help maintain remission

12 studies | 800 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

10-50 billion CFU daily (specific strains like Saccharomyces boulardii)

May help with gut microbiome balance; evidence mixed for Crohn's specifically

12 studies | 600 participants
If deficient: 27-65mg elemental iron daily; IV iron if oral not tolerated

Anemia common due to blood loss and malabsorption

8 studies | 400 participants
1000mcg daily or as injections if severe deficiency

Deficiency common with ileal disease or resection

6 studies | 300 participants
15-30mg daily

Deficiency common; supports immune function and wound healing

5 studies | 200 participants

How It Works

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, most commonly the end of the small intestine (ileum) and beginning of the colon.

KEY FEATURES:

Chronic, relapsing-remitting course
Can affect any part of GI tract (mouth to anus)
Inflammation is transmural (affects full bowel wall)
May cause strictures, fistulas, abscesses

SYMPTOMS:

Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea (may be bloody)
Fatigue
Weight loss
Reduced appetite
Fever
Mouth sores
Perianal disease

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES (common):

Vitamin D
Vitamin B12 (especially with ileal disease)
Iron
Zinc
Folate
Calcium

MEDICAL TREATMENTS:

Aminosalicylates (mild disease)
Corticosteroids (flares)
Immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate)
Biologics (anti-TNF, vedolizumab, ustekinumab)
Surgery (for complications)

NUTRITION:

No single diet works for everyone
Identify and avoid personal trigger foods
Adequate calories and protein
Correct deficiencies
Low-residue diet during flares

* Vitamin D deficiency is very common - check and correct.

* B12 monitoring especially with ileal involvement.

* Work with GI specialist for medical management.

Expected timeline: Disease requires lifelong management. Supplements address deficiencies and may provide modest supportive benefit.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Sort:
|
D
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
No effect
3 studies
none
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
1 study
none
?
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
1 study
Improves
?
Hematocrit
1 study
Improves
?
Hemoglobin
1 study
Improves
?
White Blood Cell Count
1 study
Improves
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
1 study
none
?
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
1 study
Improves
?
Interleukin 2
1 study
Improves
?
Interleukin 6
1 study
Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
1 study
Improves
D
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
No effect
1 study
none
?
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
1 study
Improves
?
Intestinal Permeability
1 study
Improves
?
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
1 study
Improves

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