Living with a loop ileostomy can bring about many questions, especially when it comes to choosing the right vitamins. The concern often revolves around whether to use liquid, chewable, or standard pill forms due to potential issues with absorption and rapid transit. Here are some insights and advice from others who have been navigating this journey:

- Many people with ileostomies find that they can take standard vitamin pills without any issues. Regular lab work often shows that their levels of iron, vitamin D, and other nutrients are stable or improving.
- Some prefer chewable, gummy, or liquid vitamins to avoid the possibility of whole pills passing through undigested. Options like chewable multivitamins, chewable B-12, and gummy calcium are popular.
- Liquid adult multivitamins, such as those from the Centrum brand available on Amazon, are a convenient choice.
- Nutrition shakes like Carnation Instant Breakfast can provide additional vitamins, minerals, and protein.

When it comes to what to avoid:

- Enteric-coated or time-release tablets and capsules are generally not recommended, as they may pass through the system intact due to the shortened transit time with an ileostomy.

For taking pills:

- If only pill forms are available, taking them with food can help slow down transit and aid in their dissolution.
- Keep an eye on your pouch for any whole or partial tablets. If you notice them, it might be time to switch to a different form.

General nutrition and hydration tips:

- Regular blood tests are important to monitor levels of iron, vitamin D (D3), calcium, magnesium, B-12, and other nutrients.
- Staying hydrated is crucial. Drink with meals and follow up with a large glass of water. Aim for a higher fluid intake than usual. Be mindful that alcohol, like a White Russian, can dehydrate, so it's wise to drink extra water alongside it.
- Electrolyte drinks such as Propel can help replenish salts lost during high output.

When experimenting with food:

- Introduce potential problem foods like nuts, seeds, corn, fruit and vegetable skins, and mushrooms in very small amounts. Chew thoroughly and see how your body reacts. Many people with long-term ileostomies find they can eventually eat these foods without issues.

A snapshot of experiences:

- People with 27, 30+, and even 48 years of ileostomy experience have shared that they routinely use vitamins and supplements.
- One person shared an experience of finding a whole Lipitor pill in their pouch, highlighting the importance of monitoring for undissolved pills.