Dietary restriction in people living with an ileostomy: impacts on nutrition, hydration and quality of life

In the UK, approximately 64,000 individuals are living with an ileostomy. This surgery creates an opening in the abdominal wall (stoma), allowing for diversion of egesta into a disposable pouch. This procedure impacts nutrient absorption meaning people living with an ileostomy may be subject to sub-optimal nutrition, often compounded by the low-fibre diet – which is frequently encouraged post-operatively. This review explores the restrictive dietary patterns of this population and their effects on nutrition and quality of life, alongside current approaches to improve dietary management and health outcomes.

Dietary restriction beyond the post-operative period is frequently reported, with avoidance of high-fibre foods (e.g. fruits and vegetables) being most prevalent. These long-term dietary changes are presumed to impact nutritional status, with current evidence suggesting diminished bone mineral density and vitamin B12. High output stoma (HOS) and dehydration are significant issues for people living with an ileostomy, and dietary management of stoma output and other ileostomy-related symptoms is a major contributor to food avoidance. The efficacy of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) in management of HOS is well-established, however due to high concentrations of glucose and sodium, the palatability of such treatments is poor, impacting patient adherence.

Encouragingly, personalised dietary advice has shown some positive effects on both quality-of-life and nutritional outcomes for people living with an ileostomy. However, a greater understanding of dietary management is needed and there remains scope to improve current dietary advice and enable people living with an ileostomy to benefit from a more complete and unrestricted diet.