Selenium and zinc deficiencies linked to adverse clinical outcomes in IBD patients on biologic therapy

A recent study has reported the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in the blood of a large group of adults with IBD who were being treated with biologic therapies. The study then explored the relationship between these deficiencies and adverse disease outcomes within 12 months of follow-up. The results showed that certain micronutrient deficiencies were common, with the most common deficiencies in plasma in vitamin C, folate, zinc, selenium, and ferritin. They also found that trace element deficiency of zinc and selenium was also related to adverse disease outcomes, including an induction course with steroid use and surgery. These effects persisted even after adjusting for potential confounders, indicating their independent impact on clinical outcomes. The study "Micronutrient Status and Prediction of Disease Outcome in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receiving Biologic Therapy" is led by Emily Brownson and is published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

In IBD patients, Micronutrient deficiencies are common, but there is a scarcity of data relating deficiency to the disease outcomes. Investigating further, researchers assessed the micronutrient status of adults with IBD on treatment with biologic therapies and explored predictive relationships with disease outcomes.

The team explained the study method: "We included Seventeen micronutrients (blood) in 216 adults who had IBD and were on biologic therapy. Nearly 58 % had Crohn's disease (CD), and 70 % received infliximab treatment.