Why to give fat-soluble vitamins for cholecystitis

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So one topic on my upcoming test is Nutrition, and I'm having trouble understanding one treatment for cholecystitis my classmate posted in a study guide forum which is that fat-soluble vitamins can be given for gallbladder disease. If gallbladder function is impaired I know that decreases the body's ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, so why would intake of fat-soluble vitamins help? The only information I've been able to find so far are things saying that yes, the gallbladder helps in processing fat-soluble vitamins or just that fat-soluble vitamins can be given for gallbladder disease.

Maybe I'm just not using the right search terms, or not looking in the right spot in my book, but I can't figure out how this would help. Any insights?

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Specializes in FNP.

I think you answered your own question!:yes:

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I did?! I don't see it yet, but I'm glad it's somewhere in there somewhere! My thoughts are that if the gallbladder is diseased, it will have a harder time releasing bile to help with the digestion of fats and absorption of fat soluble vitamins. They wouldn't stimulate bile production from the gallbladder and help it function, would they? What I'm thinking is that the body just wouldn't be able to absorb them as well so they wouldn't have as much of an effect.

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Specializes in FNP.

Yes, can't absorb the vitamins as well because of decreased bile and decreased absorption of fats, so are at risk for deficiency.

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Ohhh, so they're not recommended for treatment, they're just recommended because the absorption isn't as strong so they need to take in more to have an adequate amount available! I see, I was stuck on the idea that they were recommended to help treat gallbladder disease. Thank you!!

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Specializes in FNP.

Welcome:)

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