Essential Minerals in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Their Therapeutic and Nutritional Roles

Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which encompasses Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterised by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. Essential minerals, including zinc, selenium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, are critical for immune regulation, reducing oxidative stress, promoting mucosal healing, and preserving intestinal barrier integrity. Deficiencies in these minerals frequently occur in IBD and may exacerbate disease activity. Methods: This systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published from January 2000 to May 2025. Eligible studies comprised randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case–control studies, and observational designs evaluating the role of essential minerals in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This data regarding participant characteristics, mineral concentrations, supplementation approaches, clinical outcomes, and biochemical markers were extracted and narratively synthesised in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: A total of forty-two studies meet these inclusion criteria. Supplementation with zinc and selenium consistently improved epithelial barrier function, reduced oxidative stress, and lowered inflammatory markers. Deficiencies in magnesium and calcium were frequently reported among patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and were associated with increased disease activity. Iron supplementation effectively corrected anaemia, with intravenous formulations demonstrating better tolerance in patients with active disease. Limited evidence indicated potential benefits of chromium and copper in modulating inflammation. Discussion: Essential minerals have therapeutic potential to reduce inflammation, enhance mucosal healing, and support immune regulation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Nevertheless, clinical variability, inconsistent dosing protocols, and a lack of high-quality trials limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Conclusion: Essential minerals, especially zinc and selenium, demonstrate potential as adjunct therapies in the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). However, standardised clinical trials are required to determine optimal dosing regimens and assess long-term safety.