Can Vitamin Pills be absorbed through the rectum?

Digestive health
1

I don't know if anybody here has had to go this far but I have heard that some people following a gastric bypass are prescribed supplements that can be inserted into the rectum.  I haven't had gastric surgery, but I have little or no stomach acid and cannot absorb supplements at all. They cause diarrhoea. I have a very poor diet due to various food intolerances and need extra nutrition. I can't take liquid supplements as I also have a hiatus hernia and esophageal ulcer, and this gets irritated if I try taking liquid supps.

What I need to know is if anybody here has experience of this?  Taking supplements anally?  Would I have to buy special supplements or would what I used to take orally work anally?

Thanks!  

2

Hi Ester, sorry I can't help you. Hope you find advice you need, good luck

3

Anybody following this thread and in a similar situation can take heart. Vitamin pills and minerals such as calcium tablets can indeed be absorbed by inserting into the rectum. Before bedtime is best and make sure your bowel is empty so you don't lose it before it's had time to absorb. My GP has given me this information.

Hope this helps somebody else!

4

I should add that tablets are the best. Not capsules.