The gallbladder, a tiny organ that holds bile for digesting fats, may be removed because of chronic gallstones or gallbladder disease. Eating certain foods can exacerbate a gallbladder attack, characterized by indigestion, pain and nausea. These foods may need to be avoided before, and sometimes after, gallbladder removal as the liver then takes over the responsibility of excreting bile. After gallbladder removal, you may find that some vitamins and minerals can help facilitate healing as well as provide other benefits. Check with your doctor before using any vitamin or mineral supplements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that your body can't manufacture without food. Your body uses vitamin C to produce collagen which makes hair, nails and connective tissue. Although research hasn't found vitamin C to prevent illness, it has found that it can shorten the duration and facilitate healing. After gallbladder surgery, taking a vitamin C supplement may help speed the healing of your surgical site. Additionally, supplemental vitamin C may also help rebuild tissue in and around the surgical incision. Check with your doctor before using a vitamin C supplement, as large doses of this vitamin can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Magnesium
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you take 400 to 600 mg of magnesium daily if you have gallbladder disease. Magnesium is used by every organ in your body, including the liver, and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea can cause a deficiency of this mineral. Diarrhea is commonly experienced by people with gallbladder disease and can be experienced after gallbladder removal as your body adjusts to the changes. The University of Maryland explains that most people do not get enough magnesium in their diet and may benefit from supplementation.
Vitamin E
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you take a multivitamin supplement that contains vitamin E if you experience symptoms of gallbladder disease. Additionally, vitamin E in the form alpha-tocopherol, may help speed wound healing, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body, removing byproducts of metabolism and damaged cells. Because vitamin E is fat soluble, people who have absorption problems may experience symptoms of a deficiency. These symptoms include liver disease, suggesting the importance of vitamin E in the functioning of this organ.
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body and is used to maintain the integrity of the nervous and vascular systems. Calcium may also play a role in the modulation of the functioning of the gallbladder and related organs such as the liver. A 1990 study published in the "Journal of Surgical Residency" found that supplemental calcium delayed the absorption of water by the gallbladders of laboratory rabbits. Once the gallbladder is removed, the liver takes over the functioning and may require time to acclimate to the structural change. Supplemental calcium may be helpful in slowing the absorption of water by the liver, causing less stress on the healing wound and surrounding organs.
References
- MedlinePlus: Gallbladder Removal - Open
- Linus Pauling Institute at OSU: Vitamin C
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder Disease
- Linus Pauling Institute at OSU: Vitamin E
- "Journal of Surgical Residency"; D.E. Scheeres, et al.; The Effect of Calcium on Gallbladder Absorption
