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Ileostomy Nutrition Supplements You Need to Know About

Before we can address a few key nutritional needs for those living with an ileostomy, we need to clear up the difference between an ostomy, colostmy, and ileostomy.

By definition, an ostomy is an artificial opening on the abdominal wall through which waste passes out of the body from the bowel or urinary tract. A colostomy is a procedure where which the opening is from the colon. An ileostomy, on the other hand, is a procedure where the entire colon, rectum, and anus are removed or by-passed. The surgery brings the ileum (the third and final portion of the small intestine) to the abdominal surface. When waste materials reach the ileum it is in liquid form, and thus an appliance is needed to collect it.

All three are often looped into the same conversation when it comes to nutritional deficiencies. And there are indeed many consistencies. However, an ileostomy deserves it’s own dedicated focus on the matter. Only then can you (someone living with an ileostomy) identify which health supplements you should be considering, with approval from your physician of course.

4 Nutritional Supplements Ileostomates Need to Consider Adding to Their Dietary Regime

Metagenics PhytoMulti 60 Tablets InnerGood Canada1) Metagenics PhytoMulti

Vitamins A,D, E and K are all fat-soluble vitamins that are absorbed in the ileum. Any impact on the normal functioning of the ileum can impact the body’s ability to absorb these fat-soluble vitamins. Thus, a multivitamin that accounts for these deficiencies may be needed.

Metagenics PhytoMulti is such a vitamin. With a balanced combination of Vitamin A (10,000 IU), D (1,000 IU), E (100 IU), and K (120 mcg). Consult with your doctor before consuming. View more on Metagenics PhytoMulti here and PhytoMulti w/Iron here.

 

AOR Advanced B Complex2) AOR Advanced B Complex (Contains Vitamin B-12)

It is not uncommon for ileostomates to experience a gradual decrease in their Vitamin B-12 levels. A portion of the removed intestine is responsible for absorbing vitamin B-12 from consumed food. In some circumstances, a fall in vitamin B-12 levels can be significant enough to result in a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. This form of anemia makes sufferers experience extreme fatigue. B-12 is an important nutrient that helps combat this and is essential to the body’s nerve and blood cell development and assists in making DNA. Simply put, you need it. If the food you consume doesn’t provide enough due to your limited ability to absorb it, then supplementation may be required. Enter AOR Advanced B Complex. Each vegi-capsule provides the full spectrum of Vitamin B:

  • B1 (thiamine),
  • B2 (riboflavin),
  • B3 (niacin),
  • B5 (pantothenic acid),
  • B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin),
  • B9 (folic acid or folate),
  • B12 (cobalamin).

It’s vegan-friendly and is delivered in a biologically active format. Consult with your doctor before consuming. View more on AOR Advanced B Complex here.

3) Vega All-in-One Nutritional Shake

Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake Due to the absence of the colon and change in processing through the small intestine, the delivery of vitamins (and other supplements) often needs to be reconsidered. For some ileostomates, coated or time-released tablets and capsules may not be absorbed. Your doctor (or nutritionist) will be able to identify this if after supplementing your multivitamin intake you exhibit some of the same deficiencies. In this case, you will need to deliver these multivitamins in a manner more conducive to absorption. By finding a meal replacement powder with a significant percentage of your daily required intake, you give your body a good shot at getting the nutrition it needs. Take Vega’s All-in-One Nutritional Shake for example. This supplement covers the spectrum of necessary vitamins addressed above, including Vitamin A (90%), D (50%), E (50%), and K (60%). It also includes Vitamin B-12 (15%). Consult with your doctor before consuming. View more on Vega’s All-in-One Nutritional Shake here.

4) NutraSea Omega 3

Ileostomates need essential fatty acids (EFA) to help maintain their health. One of the most superior EFA’s is Omega-3 with EPA and DHA. This form of Omega-3 has numerous health benefits, and studies show that it can assist in wound healing while serving as an inhibitor to inflammatory responses. This is especially relevant to someone recovering from an ileostomy. However, since the absorption of capsules may be an issue for an ileostomate, a liquid form is advised. Another issue to contend with, is smell. Some (ileostomate consumers of an Omega-3) have reported a fishy smell coming from the wound area. Thankfully, NutraSea Omega-3 has an answer to both conundrums. This product comes in liquid form and a variety of flavors, including lemon, chocolate, grapefruit tangerine, mango, and crisp apple, all of which taste great and abate the fishy smell. Consult with your doctor before consuming.

Learn more about common nutritional deficiencies that someone living with an ileostomy may experience. Contact Inner Good with any questions that you may have whatsoever.

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10 Replies to “Ileostomy Nutrition Supplements You Need to Know About”

  1. I have an ileostomy and I am very interested in purchasing vitamins as it’s hard to absorb enough.

    1. Hi Christine,

      Thanks for your comment. Feel free to reach out to our President, AJ Leveille, at info@innergood.ca. He also has an ileostomy and is very selective about which vitamins he uses to feel at his best.

      Thanks again for reaching out to us!

  2. Hello my name Helen
    With an ileostomy for 4 weeks. My question is what foods can I truly eat. I have read many booklets pertaining to this however, I’m stuck because nothing is specific enough for me too forward on what I eat. I’m starving not getting enough nutrition in body. Please give me some suggestions if you can. Thanks

  3. I have had my Illinois for 9 years in April I am 70 years old and feel 100 I chew ice so I need iron I’m tired all the time I have uti’s quit frequently I ache like I have the flu I am dehydrated my hair and skin is very dry I think I need vitamins I just don’t know which ones .

    1. Hi Monika,

      Thanks for reaching out and for sharing. We are sorry about how you are feeling as well. We recommend seeing a physician or health care provider to review your concerns first before taking supplements.

      For supplements, our president who has an ileostomy uses Phytomulti regularly as a daily multi-vitamin. For aches, it could be that you need a high-quality Omega 3 fish oil like the ones by Nutrasea. One other fish oil that is our most popular is SPM Active. Many customers are using SPM Active to help with pain reduction associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

      For Hair and Skin, you may want to try Hair Skin and Nails by Nature’s Bounty along with a good quality skin moisturizer.

      Monika, again we recommend seeing a physician or health care provider to review your concerns first before taking supplements. The UTI’s are concerning.

      Best wishes,

      InnerGood

  4. I have heard that the large intestine Secretes a natural nutrient meant for the body to maintain health
    I’m so sorry I can’t remember the name I am trying to find out what it is so that I can see if I can get a supplement for it
    I had an ileostomy in 2017 and I am gaining weight so I am researching and trying to change this By supplementing with vitamins and nutrients
    if you have answers I’d sure appreciate your help

    1. Hi Bonnie, thanks for reaching out.

      We recommend you speak with your Doctor about this. Having an ileostomy and taking supplements/vitamins can be a tricky situation and we want you to be successful.
      We’re more than happy to help you with your supplement needs once you have an idea of what’s recommended for you.
      We hope to hear from you soon, contact us anytime!

  5. Hi. I have had a high output ileostomy for 2 years and I can just feel my body wasting away. My hair looks horrible and I have lost muscles. I need a source of vitamins I will absorb readily. Can you help?

    1. Hi Deborah,
      We sell a variety if vitamins and supplements. We recommend speaking with a medical professional as to which would help you best.
      Once you have a better understanding of what you need we’d be happy to assist you.

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