Q. Vitamins and minerals requirement in chronic diarrhoea?
Loss of vitamins is related to the degree of mucosal damage in chronic diarrhoea, which in turn impairs absorption and synthesis of various essential substances in the body. The vitamins of importance are B complex vitamins especially folic acid, vitamin B,, and vitamin C. Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) can be lost if fat is not digested and lost in stools. Minerals which are of importance include iron especially if there is an associated bleeding. Sodium and potassium may need to be replaced. Potassium supplementation [nay favour bowel motility and build up appetite.