VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES IN SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME

Dr. Tatanya Hofmekler

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common in children and adults with Short Bowel Syndrome, especially if malabsorption is present. Certain nutrients of concern include:

• Fat soluble vitamins: A,D,E,K
• B12
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Magnesium
• Calcium

The specific deficiencies will vary based on the part of the bowel affected.  Although taking a regular multivitamin can help with some of these vitamin needs, we frequently need to prescribe specific fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K.  These vitamins are not found in large amounts in typical multivitamins products. 

Additionally, those missing the last part of the small intestine will need their vitamin B12 checked routinely. Minerals like zinc, selenium, magnesium and even essential fatty acids can also present problems if they are not included in adequate amounts.

While taking a multivitamin can help increase the micronutrients in the diet, it may not be enough to ensure adequate levels in SBS. Your healthcare provider may individually prescribe specific higher dose supplements of any of the listed vitamins and minerals depending on your needs.

Important Note: While all of these vitamins and minerals are sold over the counter at drugstores, do not take these supplements without medical supervision as overdosing can be very harmful to your body and even fatal.

That's one of the reasons your physician will want to check vitamin and mineral levels on a frequent basis and adjust the doses if needed.  Unfortunately, most of those checks will come through blood tests.  Fortunately, monitoring the blood work in this manner can help to prevent problems such as weak bones, anemia and kidney problems before they develop.