well, i know that i have had iron deficiency, basically... as the doc's described, because of how my gut was constantly bleeding, that was the reson my count was low...

Some people with Crohn's develop anemia because of low iron levels caused by bloody stools or the intestinal inflammation itself.Ongoing symptoms, such as diarrhea,and bloody stools, can lead to weight loss,and low iron levels.

Certain medications, such as sulfasalazine, may also exacerbate anemia. To combat most cases of anemia, MOST gastroenterologists will prescribe supplements, and recommend a diet rich in iron.The result of chronic blood loss; bone marrow depression; or failure to absorb iron and folic acid, which are important in stimulating the production of red blood cells will cause deficiency.
Gastroenterologists often prescribe nutritional supplements to avoid the complications that result from deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and K.
A small amount of iron in our Blood, about 200 milligrams (mg.) per pint of Blood in our systems, or 3 to 4 grams total in adults, is necessary to build hemoglobin.

Your body 'needs' vitamins ~ and the nutrients found in most foods, for many reasons, including producing healthy red blood cells.The immune system involvement in Crohns can cause deficiency in a wide range of nutrients and vitamins, If your body is deficient in certain key vitamins, you can develop anemia,a condition in which your blood is low on healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to ALL parts of your body. Without enough healthy red blood cells, your body can't get the oxygen it needs to feel energized. To produce red blood cells, your body needs iron and certain vitamins.All three types of blood cells are produced regularly in your bone marrow a red, spongy material located within the cavities of many of your large bones. To produce adequate numbers of healthy blood cells, especially red blood cells, your bone marrow needs a steady supply of iron, vitamin B-12, folate and vitamin C.

There are two different types of digestible iron in food:
1.hemo iron, found in red meat seafood and poultry, and
2. non-hemo iron found in breads, fruits, breakfast cereals,brown rice, vegetable,whole wheat bread, legumes, nuts(if tolerable),eggs,oatmeal,cream of wheat,beets,watermelon,beef or chicken liver,dark meat turkey,lamb,blackstrap molasses (one tablespoon daily).
If you drink tea, You should avoid drinking tea with your meals that are high in iron. Tea contains tannin that could inhibit the absorption of iron.

Yes. I am borderline anemic. My GI said it was because my disease is in the ileum and that is where iron is mostly absorbed.

I tried iron pills like the GI suggested, but man do they wreak havoc on your bowels. My stool became unpassable. It was worse than the Crohn's for me, so I just stopped and only took a multivitamin. I just told him I wouldn't do it. But you should try the pills if you haven't.

I agree..the iron pills cause to much contspation & cramping.I too am anemic...I try to get it in foods.if u can tolerate oj. a glass of it a day will boost iron.Lanies'iron level was low.so got list of high iron foods & fed them to her; plus oj daily. her mom said that was the best her hemoglobin had ever been.she's severely impaired, since birth..I'm her caregiver...this week I'm working on a sore she got on her hand....so extra high protien foods to heal sores...plus slippery elm is good to soothe & heal ulcers inside & out.Peacecreek had some good info, too.good luck to all.