Inadequate food intake, inflammation of the small intestine, and diarrhea are often responsible for these deficiencies. However, many of the drugs used to treat IBD also can contribute to nutritional difficulties. Some drugs can decrease or increase nutrient absorption. Others can change the processes by which the body uses nutrients or eliminates excess foods.
Medications also can affect appetite or taste perception, changing food intake.
This article describes nutrient alterations that IBD treatments can cause. Sulfasalazine not only inhibits the absorption of folic acid, but also interferes with its breakdown into a form the body can use. Thus, the use of sulfasalazine in IBD patients can cause a folic acid deficiency. Symptoms include sore mouth, diarrhea, irritability, and forgetfulness. If the deficiency progresses, it can lead to anemia.