Nutritional Deficiencies – Vitamin and Mineral
Dificiencies
Nutrient malabsorption and chronic diarrhea can lead
to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency – When more than 60
cm (approximately 24 inches) of the ileum has been resected, vitamin
B12 malabsorption often results. Patients generally receive monthly
injections to prevent the neurological problems associated with vitamin
B12 deficiency.
Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency – Deficiencies
in calcium and magnesium result from fat malabsorption. Unabsorbed
fat in the lumen attaches to these minerals, and prevents them from
being absorbed. The resulting combination of fat and mineral is not
absorbed, but is excreted in the feces. Calcium and magnesium absorption
may improve with a low-fat diet. Deficiencies in these minerals can
lead to brain disorders (e.g., encephalopathy), muscle twitching (e.g.,
tetany), and convulsions.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
