Vitamin Benefits for Ileostomy - Do They Get Absorbed?

Hello all, I wanted to pose a question regarding the benefits of taking vitamins. I currently take a multivitamin and a gummy chewable calcium. The calcium is for the toll my bones took with years of prednisone use. My question is, with an ileostomy, is there a benefit to taking vitamins or would the system not absorb them? Anyone have any knowledge of vitamin benefits for an ileostomy? The vitamin B12 is one that I hear we are all at risk of not having enough of. Thanks. Penguins7

Hi penguins, that's what I take everyday: a chewy multi, a chewy calcium, and a B12. Also, a D3 to help the absorption of calcium, which all seems to help as my numbers for bone loss have gotten better and the numbers for my spine haven't gotten any worse.

Hi Penguins,

I questioned the same thing, almost 50 years ago. Science being what it was, I didn't get a definitive answer back then. But I also participated in a "study" with my doctor and his associates about B12 absorption, inserting "stuff" into my stomach (which is the end of the small intestine) ... the ileum. Hmmm, I never did read the results of that study, but I've always been instructed to take a multivitamin, despite the "lack of a large intestine". Although much of what we eat and drink is broken down or absorbed in the "large intestine", it's basically a "holding tank for the body's waste. I was told that the small intestine takes on much of the work of the colon (absorbing fluids) when one does not have a large intestine. But as we all know (if you're missing a colon), it's very easy to dehydrate... so we need to drink more. I guess if you want to find out where specific nutrients are absorbed, you can Google that info. As far as pills/vitamins etc... I have an ongoing "discussion" with doctors and try not to take "time-release pills". They seem to "come out the way they go in", but doctors and pharmacists say that the necessary nutrients have been "sucked out" and what's coming out is just the "waste product". But it still looks like "the pill" to me! I hope this helps.

For 2 years after my surgery, I had blood tests every six months to double-check what was being absorbed -- I have to take a D3 and B12 but had to find ones that dissolve quickly. Then, to get the iron, I finally discovered Centrum Specialist and take one/day. The capsules do not absorb. Iron did not dissolve, so this was exciting to find a solution -- My numbers have been perfect, and now check yearly.... I wish you the very best....

Hello, I have taken liquid vitamins along with a monthly B-12 injection for years with good results. My system absorbs liquid vitamins much better than any other form of vitamins. I've had an ileostomy for 31 years.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Two years ago, I attended the UOAA meeting where they had a pharmacist speaking about this topic. I think Ewesful has the idea to take vitamins that will dissolve quickly. I seem to recall the pharmacist saying that for us that have smaller intestines, it is best not to take anything that is time released.

However, I think it matters which intestine or colon we still have left. From my understanding, the large colon is only a way to process and prepare for the elimination of waste. Therefore, if we still have the small intestine, I think we would be better to support and process the vitamins, etc.

Vitamins are not the only pills that we need to consider. Supplements and medication would also have a similar idea of how we process them through our system.

I have also read many reports that even in normal people, vitamins are found to be useless because they all immediately end up in our toilet through our urine.

As for myself, I have stopped taking a daily vitamin. I do take calcium with D3, Omega 3, Milk Thistle (for my liver), Biotin and Vitamin C with Collagen for my hair, and Davrom and Nullo to control the odor. I don't know if they are doing any good, but I don't think they are doing any harm.

Hope this helps.

Hi, how are you? Nice to meet you. I'm Victoria and I have an ileostomy. I take liquid vitamins. What do you take? Do you take B12? And what is Davrom? Please help. Please text back ASAP. Thank you so much. Also, thank you. I take Zofran, Promethazine 12.5, Bentyl, and pain meds.