Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may be treated by removing part of the bowel, depending on the area in which ulcers are present. Consequences of short bowel disease include inhibited absorption of micronutrients.
  
  

Missing Ileum

• Short bowel with a missing ileum requires long-term supplementation of vitamin B12, while with removal of any other part of the small bowel, the body will most likely adapt and achieve sufficient absorption.
  
  

Foods with B Vitamins

• B vitamins are found in liver, lentils, nuts, bananas, brewer's yeast and a number of other grains, meats, fruits and vegetables. Vitamin B12 is found in eggs and dairy products.
  
  

Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B12 is only absorbed in the terminal ileum of the bowel. When the ileum is completely or partially removed, life-long vitamin B12 supplementation becomes necessary. Supplementation may be oral or by injection.
  
  

Deficiencies

• Deficiency of vitamin B12 causes impaired cell division resulting in anemia. Other B vitamin deficiencies result in weight loss, beri beri, pellegra and dry mouth.
  
  

Risks

• Supplementing B vitamins has little to no risk. Overdose is unlikely, as the body will dispose of excess B vitamins.