HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Vitamin K and bone health.

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/21/2015 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
I had pan procolectomy with ileostomy in 2009 and since then my clothes size has changed a lot. I feel I am shrinking.
There are several other issues too.

Originally I put this down to age but more and more I think I have been missing out on some nutrient. I understand that Vit K2 and B12 production/absorption require the terminal section of the ileum. Also that K2 is required for bone growth.

Could any ileostomist who has knowledge of this subject please share? Thanks.

How does one get Vit K2 checked?

Post Edited (Pablo2) : 8/21/2015 3:24:15 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/22/2015 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
I had a total colectomy with a j pouch done. I have issues absorbing certain things....iron being a big one for me. I go for periodic iron infusions to keep my numbers in check. (I don't absorb oral iron)I don't know much about vitamin k at all. Hopefully someone will come along with more knowledge.
Posted 8/22/2015 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
That's interesting. How did you discover that you do not absorb oral iron?
Posted 8/22/2015 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Most of us have our terminal ileum intact, do you know for sure whether or not you have yours? Have you had a comprehensive CBC an had you B-12, vitamin D and K levels checked? If not you should probably start there.

Sue
Posted 8/23/2015 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
A quick Google search reveals that the small intestine chiefly absorbs calcium, though we can still have issues, especially if our output it excessively liquidy. Vitamin K is absorbed in the large intestine so if you have no connection to that, then an imbalance is very possible. I bypass these absorption issues by taking chewables or getting it in my food. Pills that are supposed to be absorbed in the intestines don't always work for us.
Posted 8/23/2015 2:52 AM (GMT 0)

Pablo2 said...
That's interesting. How did you discover that you do not absorb oral iron?

I'm always low on iron. I started seeing a hematologist and he put me on oral iron pills. They didn't do a thing to bring my levels up so we started doing the infusions instead and that helps me much better.
Posted 8/23/2015 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for those thoughts everyone, keep them coming.
Suebear, I have not been able to find out if my terminal ileum is intact. Also, I need to establish my K2 and B12 levels.
Posted 8/23/2015 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure your budget but if you can afford doing a few sessions with a naturopathic physician they are much more into looking after the whole body in ways other than drugs and I'm sure if there's a way to check a vitamin deficiency they know it and can help you correct any imbalances. Remember, they've gone to school just as long as a traditional doctor. :P
Posted 8/23/2015 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, but no budget for naturopathic physician.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply