Which vitamin deficiency might be linked with the gut inflammation seen in Crohn's disease?

The link between vitamin B12 deficiency and Crohn's disease is well established due to the disease's impact on the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the ileum, where vitamin B12 is absorbed. In individuals with Crohn's disease, inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining can lead to malabsorption of key nutrients, including vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is critical for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. A deficiency can result in anemia, neuropathy, and other systemic issues. Patients with ileal Crohn's disease are particularly at risk because the ileum is the primary site for vitamin B12 absorption, and inflammation in that region can impede absorption and worsen deficiency.

The other vitamins listed do play important roles in the body, but they are not as directly linked to the gut inflammation specific to Crohn's disease. Vitamin A is important for immune function and vision, vitamin D is crucial for calcium metabolism and bone health, and vitamin K is key in coagulation. While deficiencies in these vitamins can have health implications, they are less commonly associated with the gut inflammation that characterizes Crohn's disease compared to vitamin B12.