Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. While it doesn't permanently damage the intestinal tract, it can become extremely bothersome. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, most people with IBS learn to manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet. Women's health expert, Christiane Northrup, M.D. recommends vitamins B, C and E as important nutrients for people with IBS.
Vitamin B
The B vitamins refer to a group of water-soluble nutrients that support numerous aspects of human health. They contribute to a person's metabolism (the conversion of food to energy), immune system function, blood sugar balance, red blood cell formation and neurological function. B vitamins are found in many foods, including liver, clams, fish, dairy products, meat, poultry, vitamin-fortified cereals, whole grains, lima beans, garbanzo beans and sea vegetables. They may also be reaped from dietary supplements. Since IBS can cause nutrient deficiency or malabsorption (poor absorption) of nutrients, such as B vitamins, Northrup suggests that people with digestive disorders, such as IBS, consume vitamin B-rich foods regularly.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient with powerful antioxidant (disease-fighting) properties. Adequate intake of vitamin C can help restore nutritional deficiencies and reduce risk for infections, virus and disease in people with IBS. While vitamin C is available in dietary supplement form, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University suggests that consuming at least 2 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables daily as part of an overall nutrient-rich diet can meet a person's daily vitamin C requirements. Valuable food sources of vitamin C include red bell peppers, oranges, grapefruit, citrus juices, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwifruit, broccoli, tomatoes, papaya, spinach, cantaloupe and baked potatoes (skin on).
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient with antioxidant properties. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, people with digestive disorders, such as IBS, often lose fat-soluble nutrients as a result of diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption. For this reason, vitamin E in food and/or supplement form may prove helpful. One tablespoon of wheat germ oil provides most adults' daily recommended amount of vitamin E. Additional food sources of vitamin E include almonds, almond butter, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, safflower oil, hazelnuts, peanuts, peanut butter, corn oil, boiled spinach and broccoli, soybean oil, kiwifruit, mangoes, tomatoes and spinach. Since dietary fats also help the body absorb other vitamin and minerals, vitamin E-rich foods and supplements are best consumed with nutrient-rich meals.
