Inflammatory bowel disease and iron deficiency

Children and young people are at risk of iron deficiency due to:

• The inflammatory bowel disease itself
• Poor appetite and poor nutritional intake

Reduced absorption of iron from food

Why is iron important?

Iron is a mineral that has many different roles in your body. Iron is especially important in making a component of red blood cells called haemoglobin. Haemoglobin transports oxygen around your body. If your iron levels fall you may become anaemic, feel tired, have more infections and have a poor appetite.

Where do I find iron?

You can help to maintain your iron levels by ensuring you include a number of good sources of iron in your diet every day. There are two types of iron in your diet:

• haem iron from animal sources
• non-haem iron from vegetables, fruits, nuts and eggs

Haem iron is better absorbed than non-haem iron. Individuals following a vegetarian, vegan or restricted diet are at higher risk of iron deficiency.

How much iron do I need?

An individual’s iron requirements can vary according to age, clinical condition, growth and sex but as a general guide the following daily amounts are recommended.

Which foods contain iron?

Iron is found naturally in some foods whilst other foods have extra iron added to them.

The list below gives you information on the iron content of different types of food. Please note this information is correct at time of publication but sometimes ingredients and nutrition information changes. Food labels can contain more information.

How do I make sure the iron I eat is absorbed?

Haem iron from meat sources is more readily absorbed than non-haem iron sources. Including a good source of vitamin C with a meal can help the iron from non-haem sources to be absorbed. An example of this could be a glass of orange juice or some fruit or vegetables with your meals.

Drinking tea or coffee with your meals can stop the iron in your diet from being easily absorbed, so keep these drinks away from mealtimes.

Should I have iron supplements?

We monitor your iron levels regularly and will let you know if they are low. Iron supplements can be prescribed if needed but can cause stomach aches at higher doses. Iron supplements are sometimes given at low doses two to three times a week. If they do not improve the anaemia or cause side-effects, children sometimes require an intravenous infusion to restore iron levels more quickly.

If you do not think you are managing to meet your iron requirements speak to your doctor, nurse or dietitian.