Access to all articles, new health classes, discounts in our store, and more!
Are there any recommended vitamins or minerals for those without a gall bladder?
Question
My gall bladder was removed at age 26. I wish it wasn’t, but I have not noticed any major problems with digestion since. However, I’m curious if you have any general recommendations to patients without a gall bladder. Are they known to be generally more deficient in certain vitamins or minerals? Do they generally need to be doing extra things to support the liver, bile production, or support fat emulsification?
Answer
The gall bladder is one of the most important organs for the digestion of fats. We cannot live a healthy life if we cannot properly absorb omega 3 and omega 6 fats, the essential fatty acids that are found in numerous different foods, and of course, the fat soluble vitamins (which are also considered fats) A, D, the E complex, and K. Bile (although some is made by the liver) is mostly made by the gall bladder. After the gall bladder has been removed, an excellent way to be able to eat a healthy diet (which would consist of a good amount of fat), is to take a bile supplement. These are available from many companies and found in health food stores. Jarrow FORMULAS® makes one called Bile Acid Factors™. Take one with a normal meal and maybe two with a healthy meal containing lots of good fats.
David Getoff, CCN, CTN, FAAIM, Price-Pottenger Vice President