Given how ulcerative colitis (UC) can affect the digestive system, many people with the condition may not be surprised to learn that they’re not getting all the nutrients they need. This is especially true if they’re experiencing unplanned weight loss. However, knowing that doesn’t mean you’re taking all the steps to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you’re missing. One such nutrient that can go unnoticed is vitamin C. Fortunately, once you realize that UC could be robbing you of vitamin C, you can take measures to restore balance.
Although vitamin C deficiency can be caused by various factors, a malabsorption disorder like UC is one of them. These disorders affect how well your digestive system absorbs nutrients, so you’re often not getting everything you need. Even so, one small study on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) notes that research tends to focus on deficiencies in vitamins A, B12, D, and K, as well as iron and zinc.
When the researchers in this study assessed 20 patients with IBD for vitamin C deficiency, though, they found that 16 (80 percent) of them showed signs of scurvy–the technical term for the deficiency. Additionally, among the 18 patients who received nutritional assessments, 10 (56 percent) reported completely avoiding fruits and vegetables. While this can happen as they avoid triggers, it only underscores the importance of ensuring vitamin C is included in the diet.
In another study, researchers assessed 301 patients with different forms of IBD. They found that 21.6 percent of those patients had a vitamin C deficiency. Of those, 16 percent had UC. Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that a vitamin C deficiency was common in those who were living with IBD.
With that in mind, it may be worth it for you to check if you’re one of them.
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Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that humans can’t make on their own. As a result, you need to eat foods that contain it. You need this vitamin for several bodily processes, such as the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters. It’s also involved in protein metabolism and the regeneration of other antioxidants like alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in the body. Additionally, vitamin C nurtures the growth and repair of skin, cartilage, bone, and teeth.
While your doctor can give a personalized recommendation for how much vitamin C you should consume each day, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for healthy adults typically ranges from 75 mg to 120 mg per day. Women should aim for 75 mg daily, while men should aim for 90 mg daily. The recommended daily intake is 85 mg for those who are lactating (also referred to as breastfeeding), increasing to 120 mg daily depending on specific needs. Additionally, smokers should consume 35 mg more vitamin C than non-smokers.
Because vitamin C supports so many functions, a deficiency can show up in different ways. Some of the signs can include:
You should note, though, that these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, so it’s best to talk to your doctor about them. Additionally, you don’t have to wait for these issues to appear to check if your vitamin C levels are low. Talk to your doctor about taking a blood test to see where you are.
The good thing about vitamin C is that it’s found in lots of foods that are easy for you to include in your diet. Some of them are best consumed fresh, as cooking and boiling can reduce their vitamin C content. That’s because the vitamin is water-soluble and heat-sensitive, so it easily leaches into the liquid that it’s being cooked in and breaks down at high temperatures. However, depending on which foods trigger your UC, you may not be able to consume them as is.
Specifically, people with UC are usually asked to avoid fibrous foods that still have their skins or have seeds that cannot be removed. To get around this, remove skins and seeds, choose canned foods in their own juices rather than sugary liquids, and cook foods until they are tender. In this case, reduced vitamin C content may be better than none at all. Instead of avoiding them entirely, it may be worth finding ways to eat them safely.
With that said, some great sources of Vitamin C include:
If you’re unsure of where to start, talk to your doctor so they can guide you. They may even suggest adding a vitamin C supplement to keep your levels up without triggering your UC.
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Even if you’re taking steps to keep your meals balanced, it’s still important to manage your condition well. If you find that your symptoms are getting worse or aren’t as under control as they used to be, you should let your doctor know. The treatment options for UC usually start with medications, but can include surgery if needed.
The prescribed medications are generally intended to reduce inflammation in the large intestine, and your options will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Some of the typical medications include:
If you don’t respond to any of those medications, though, your doctor may discuss surgery with you. While they’ll inform you of the specific details of the surgery, the two common types for UC are:
Of course, your doctor may consider several management options before recommending surgery. The key is to keep communicating about what’s going on with your health.
Part of managing your UC well is making sure you’re getting the right nutrients. When you’re planning your meals, make sure you include foods rich in vitamin C. You also shouldn’t forget to tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen, as this could mean your UC isn’t as well managed as it needs to be.
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