Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulceration in the colon and rectum. Patients with ulcerative colitis are at risk for vitamin deficiencies due to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as frequent diarrhea and decreased appetite, according to MayoClinic.com. Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B-5, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is important in the production of energy from foods. Ulcerative colitis patients with B-5 deficiency should take supplements.
Symptoms
Patients with ulcerative colitis experience symptoms such as frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stool, fatigue and unintended weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Frequent passage of loose stool and abdominal upset prevents proper digestion and absorption of vitamins such as pantothenic acid from foods. Patients with ulcerative colitis may also experience decreased appetite, which further places them at risk for vitamin deficiencies.
Recommended Intake
The daily recommended intake of pantothenic acid is 4 to 7mg for adults. Pantothenic acid can be obtained from foods such as lean meat, poultry, whole grain breads and cereals, peas and beans. Pantothenic acid supplements in oral and injection forms are also available. Patients allergic to pantothenic acid and ingredients used to make the dietary supplements should avoid the supplements. Pantothenic acid may interact with some medications. Patients taking other medications should consult with the doctor before taking pantothenic acid supplements.
Coping with Ulcerative Colitis
There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but there are drugs available to control symptoms such as inflammation and diarrhea. Sulfasalazine is the main drug used to treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients allergic to sulfa should avoid sulfasalazine. Other medications include mesalamine, balsalazide and olsalazine. Corticosteroids are used to decrease inflammation in the colon. Anti-diarrheal medications and fiber supplements are used to decrease diarrhea.
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
Untreated ulcerative colitis may cause complications such as perforated colon, severe bleeding in the colon, severe dehydration due to frequent diarrhea, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, inflammation of the skin, joints and eyes, liver disease and toxic megacolon, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients with ulcerative colitis should seek treatment to avoid these complications.
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