Trace nutrients are substances which are absorbed and present in the body in very small amounts. They contribute to important biologic functions. Trace element deficiency occurs in patients with advanced Crohn's disease and is seen primarily in those with compromised oral nutritional intake, advanced small intestine disease and in those who have had significant small intestinal resections. Certain trace element deficiency occurs only in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. Such trace elements include chromium manganese and molybdenum.
Copper losses occur in patients with diarrhea fistula drainage and increased ileostomy losses.
Some reports indicate that up to 40 percent of patients with Crohn's have low levels of plasma zinc. Zinc is important in wound healing cell-mediated immunity and normal growth in children. It may result in muscular weakness. In summary, nutritional deficiency of commonly known nutrients and less well-known micronutrients occurs in Crohn's disease more commonly than in ulcerative colitis because of the frequency of small intestinal involvement in Crohn's disease. These deficiencies are uncommon in patients with well-controlled disease who eat a normal diet and in those who have not required intestinal surgery.