Question

A patient with inflammatory bowel disease has steatorrhea. In addition to limiting the fat intake, which minerals should be assessed?

a. iron and phosphorus

b. calcium and phosphorus

c. iron and zinc

d. calcium, magnesium, and zinc

PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY?

Answer 1

Option B-calcium and phosphorus.

Defective lipid digestion in the GIT due to defects in either synthesis or transport of lipid-digesting enzymes in the Pancreas can Cause diarrhea in which stools have a high lipid content which makes the stool appear oily ,pale with foul odor.

In this Condition ,Absorption of Fat soluble Vitamins Like Vitamin A,D,E and K are Affected.So they have a Low Amount of Fat soluble Vitamins.

Vitamin D Affects Absorption of Calcium and Phosphorous.

Vitamin D stimulates absorption of intestinal calcium and phosphorus , by stimulating -

1.Bone calcium mobilization

2.Increasing reabsorption of calcium in the distal tubule

So in Steatorrhea Calcium and Phosphorous Should be assessed