Digestive Dysfunction

Nutrients connected to Digestive Dysfunction

A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.

• Vitamin B12Deficiency link

  Stomach surgery, Crohn's disease and coeliac disease can reduce B12 absorption.

• Vitamin ADeficiency link

  Conditions that impair fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis and celiac disease, can lower vitamin A levels.

• Vitamin DDeficiency link

  Malabsorption disorders such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease reduce vitamin D absorption.

• Vitamin EDeficiency link

  Conditions that stop fat absorption (cystic fibrosis, cholestatic liver disease, short bowel syndrome) can cause vitamin E deficiency.

• Vitamin KDeficiency link

  Deficiency can happen when the gut cannot absorb the vitamin.

• Vitamin B3 (niacin)Deficiency link

  Gastrointestinal disease and weight-loss surgery can reduce absorption and lead to pellagra.

• MagnesiumDeficiency link

  Malabsorption, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhoea can lead to low magnesium.

• Fibre supplements (psyllium, methylcellulose, calcium polycarbophil and others)Clinically supported

  Chronic constipation is a functional digestive problem that psyllium improved in pooled trials.

• Digestive enzyme supplementsPreliminary or mixed

  Lactase (for lactose) and prescribed pancreatic enzymes (for pancreatic insufficiency) address specific causes of poor digestion. Over-the-counter blends have not been shown to correct digestive dysfunction in general, and symptoms such as greasy stools or weight loss need medical assessment.

• Artichoke leafPreliminary or mixed

  Indigestion (dyspepsia) is the use with the most support, and that support is limited.

• SennaClinically supported

  Treats constipation as a symptom for a short time; if needed daily the cause should be investigated.

• PsylliumClinically supported

  Constipation and IBS symptoms are the best-supported uses; IBS evidence is mixed.

• PlumsClinically supported

  Prunes eased constipation in trials, which is one form of digestive dysfunction.

• Peppermint OilClinically supported

  IBS symptoms improved with capsules versus placebo.

• Senna Tea (Laxative Teas)Documented risk

  MedlinePlus and the EU monograph warn that continued use can lead to laxative dependence and weakened bowel activity.

• InjeraPreliminary or mixed

  Celiac disease is a digestive disorder triggered by gluten; teff is naturally gluten-free but cross-contact is possible. A Dutch survey found fewer symptoms with teff than usual gluten-free diets, without a control group.

• Cow's MilkDocumented risk

  Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem that milk can trigger.

• Prune JuicePreliminary or mixed

  Chronic constipation improved with prune juice in one trial; see a doctor if constipation persists.

• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)Clinically supported

  Antacid for acid indigestion; recurrent heartburn needs clinical review.

• SeleniumDeficiency link

  Severe gut disorders such as Crohn disease may impair selenium absorption.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus and the acidophilus groupPreliminary or mixed

  Tested in IBS and diarrhoea with mixed, low-certainty evidence that depends on the exact strain or mixture.

• Prebiotic fibresPreliminary or mixed

  Constipation improved modestly in trials of oligosaccharides, with low certainty.

• TurmericPreliminary or mixed

  Traditional herbal use in the European Union supports turmeric for mild digestion problems such as fullness and gas in adults. Studies hinted at a benefit, but their design flaws meant firm conclusions could not be drawn.

• Cascara sagradaClinically supported

  Occasional constipation is the one use accepted by the EU committee; persistent constipation needs a doctor.

• GentianPreliminary or mixed

  Mild, temporary digestive complaints are the only target of the accepted traditional use. Not shown to treat an underlying cause.

• Chicory rootClinically supported

  Chicory inulin eased low stool frequency in constipation trials; it does not treat other digestive problems.

• CentauryPreliminary or mixed

  Traditional use for mild dyspeptic disorders; no trials read.

• CarawayPreliminary or mixed

  The EU accepts caraway tea for bloating and gas as a traditional use only; trials tested a peppermint-plus-caraway oil capsule.

• Guava leafPreliminary or mixed

  Used for acute infectious diarrhoea; the evidence is small and open-label.

• Globe ArtichokesDocumented risk

  High fructan content can cause gas and bloating in sensitive people, for example with IBS.

• Wheat Bran & Wheat GermPreliminary or mixed

  Constipation is helped modestly by bran in small trials; fiber too fast causes gas.

• Fermented Hot SauceDocumented risk

  Capsaicin was linked to symptom flares in functional dyspepsia.

• Activated CharcoalPreliminary or mixed

  Gas claims; evidence mixed.

• Diosmectite (Smectite)Clinically supported

  Acute infectious diarrhea is the studied problem.

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