Bones and Crohn's: problems and solutions.

Inflammatory bowel disease may manifest in various extra intestinal manifestations. Osteopenia and various arthropathies may be debilitating. These may be related to the disease itself, patient genetics, lifestyle, or disease treatment. Calcium and vitamin D malabsorption, vitamin K deficiency, malnutrition, corticosteroid and other immunosuppressive medications, smoking, lack of exercise and postmenopausal state may all play important roles. Treatment may be undertaken to correct nutrient deficiencies, inhibit bone resorption and increase bone formation.