Trace
element studies on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
have noted pervasive deficiencies of crucial minerals and nutrients,
including selenium, copper, zinc, and iron.1-6 Many
of these elements are critically necessary
for the formation of antioxidants in
the body, and thus shortages may increase
the patient's susceptibility to the potential
damage to the intestinal lining via oxidative
stress. Altered zinc metabolism may be
a critical dysfunction in IBD, due to
its apparent ability to modulate the
killer cell activity linked to IBD progression.7
An elemental hair analysis study comparing
patients with chronic IBD and healthy
controls found that iron concentrations
were much lower in IBD patients.8 Researchers
suggested that measuring iron concentration
in hair be used as a complementary strategy
in assessing body iron levels in IBD
patients.6
Besides
adversely affecting specific mechanisms of IBD, element imbalances
can spawn health problems stemming from chronic malnutrition. Crohn's
disease, in particular, often leads to malabsorption, along with
chronic vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Left untreated, these
deficiencies can worsen the overall health condition of the patient
and dampen the general prognosis for the disease.
The Elemental
Analysis determines levels of toxic and nutritional elements
in the body using a hair, blood, or urine sample. Each specimen
type provides a unique window into element status. A hair sample
will reflect chronic toxic exposure and long-term nutritional deficiencies,
while blood and urine assessment will gauge the effects of more
recent imbalances.
Related
Information: IBD and Oxidative Stress
References:
1 Mulder Tp, van der Sluys Veer A, Verspaget HW, Griffioen G, Pena
AS, Janssens AR, Lamers CB. Effect of oral zinc supplementation
on methallothionein and superoxide dismutase concentrations in patients
with inflammatory bowel disease. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1994;9(5):472-477.
2 Thomas AG, Miller V, Shenkin A, Fell GS, Taylor F. Selenium and
glutathione peroxidase status in paediatric health and gastroinetestinal
disease. J Pediatr Gastroeneterol Nutr 1994;19(2):213-219.
3 Rannem T, Ladefoged K, Hylander E, Hegnhoj J, Jarnum S. Selenium
status in patients with Crohn's disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56(5):933-937.
4 Ringstad J, Kildebo S, Thomassen Y. Serum selenium, copper, and
zinc concentrations in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Scand
J Gastroenterol 1993;28(7):605-608.
5 Fernandez-Banares F, Mingorance MD, Esteve M, Cabre E, Lachica
M, et. al. Serum zinc, copper, and selenium levels in inflammatory
bowel disease: effect of total enteral nutrition on trace element
status. Am J Gastroenterol 1990;85(12):1584-1589.
6 Bisse E, Renner F, Sussmann S, Scholmerich J, Wieland H. Hair
iron content: possible marker to complement monitoring therapy of
iron deficiency in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases?
Clin Chem 1996;42(8 Pt 1):1270-1274.
7 Sturniolo GC, Mestriner C, Lecis PE, D'Odorico A, Venturi C, Irato
P, et. al. Altered plasma and mucosal concentrations of trace elements
and antioxidants in active ulcerative colitis. Scand J Gastroeenterol
1998;33(6):644-649.
8 Van de Wal Y, Van der Sluys Veer A, Verspaget HW, Mulder TP, Griffioen
G, Van Tol EA, Pena AS, Lamers CB. Effect of zinc therpay on natural
killer cell activity in inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacol
Ther 1993;7(3):281-286.
Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed
and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification
and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing
this disorder.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice
for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is
so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach.
Remember that the body can heal itself if given the
proper nutrients.
The information herein is not intended as diagnosis,
treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition
please seek the advice of your medical doctor. |
hCG
