Zinc and vitamin A deficiency in patients with Crohn's disease is correlated with activity but not with localization or extent of the disease.

A study of serum zinc and plasma vitamin A concentrations in 54 patients with Crohn's disease was performed. Compared with controls the patients had significantly lowered zinc and vitamin A concentrations. There was a marked correlation between zinc and vitamin A and the activity of the disease, as measured by the Crohn's disease activity index, and a weaker correlation with serum proteins considered to be indicators of disease activity. No correlation was found to vitamin B12 absorption, to the localization of the disease, or to previous ileal resection. The results suggest that zinc and vitamin A deficiency occurs in patients with active Crohn's disease and is not primarily caused by absorption abnormalities. Substitution might be helpful or even necessary in patients with highly active disease.