So the ileum exclusively absorbs B12...

[Pierreracine]

Huh...so how can you compensate for this when you had your ileum removed? Same goes for most of the B complex vitamins which are in large part absorbed by the ileum... I mean, it's a catch 22.

When they have Crohn's, many have to take vitamin supplements BUT if you had your ileum removed, they have NOWHERE to get sucked by this part of your digestive system.

I had this question rolling in my head all day long... Funny. I googled it but to no available...

 

[Zalanicht]

You can always get your b's via injection.
I get vit b12 injections once every month.

 

[silveyk]

Zalanicht is right. Monthly B12 shots work like a charm.

Dr. S

 

[Rebecca85]

Also bear in mind that only 99% of b12 is absorbed by the ileum. B12 is relatively common in a non-vegan diet, and the recommended amount is fairly low, taking 2 regular strength 1000mg tablets (as opposed to 1 as recommended) may be enough (link available on the wiki, www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/vitamin-b12). Or dissolve the tablet under your tongue- a small amount will enter your bloodstream directly.

 

[tiloah]

Most people I know missing their TI get B12 shots. My inflammation is in my TI but so far my B12 levels have only been "slightly low."

 

[shamrock15]

Rebecca is right on this. Your bowel can to some extent learn how to absorb it. I hve been taking either 1000mg or 1200 mg tabs once a day over the last 10 years and have not had an issue with B12 deficiency. Had my terminal ileum removed 15 years ago and lost a lot more small bowel since.

 

[Jennifer]

My doctors told me that it used to be widely believed that B12 is only absorbed in the ileum but its been discovered that that is not the case. It is absorbed throughout the digestive tract. If you're low on B12 or have a deficiency and vitamins and tablets aren't working then it is best to have a B12 injection. I had a portion of my ileum removed yet am low on B12 so I get a monthly injection for it.

 

[ameslouise]

Yep, taking the shots weekly now myself until my levels get back up. This is something I will have to keep an eye on for the rest of my life.

- Amy

 

[Montrealer]

Everyone talks about absorbtion of B12 in the ileum, but no one talks about how bile acid is absorbed exclusively in there.

It's important to know because if bile acid enter the large colon it gives bad Diarrhea.