Which factor increases zinc deficiency risk after colectomy with ileostomy?

Which factor increases zinc deficiency risk after colectomy with ileostomy?

• A. Ileostomy output losses
• B. Increased zinc intake
• C. High fiber diet
• D. Regular zinc supplementation

Answer: (A)

The factor is high ileostomy output losses. After colectomy with an ileostomy, a large volume of ileal effluent can wash minerals, including zinc, out of the body before they are absorbed. Zinc absorption occurs mainly in the proximal small intestine, but when ileostomy output is substantial, there is less time for absorption and more zinc is lost in the ostomy drainage, increasing the risk of zinc deficiency. Increasing zinc intake or providing routine zinc supplementation would mitigate this risk, and a high-fiber diet does not directly drive zinc deficiency the way high-output ileostomy does.

The factor is high ileostomy output losses. After colectomy with an ileostomy, a large volume of ileal effluent can wash minerals, including zinc, out of the body before they are absorbed. Zinc absorption occurs mainly in the proximal small intestine, but when ileostomy output is substantial, there is less time for absorption and more zinc is lost in the ostomy drainage, increasing the risk of zinc deficiency. Increasing zinc intake or providing routine zinc supplementation would mitigate this risk, and a high-fiber diet does not directly drive zinc deficiency the way high-output ileostomy does.