Energy and mineral utilization from a peptide-based elemental diet and a polymeric enteral diet given to ileostomists in the early postoperative course.

Small intestinal absorption was studied in 12 patients receiving enteral nutrition in the immediate postoperative period after colorectal surgery including construction of an ileostomy. Seven patients were given a peptide-based, low osmolality elementary diet and five patients were given a polymeric diet. Comparisons between the intake and ileal excretion showed on both diets a high utilization of energy, fat, and nitrogen as well as of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron. From a nutritional point of view a polymeric diet could thus replace an elementary diet in the immediate postoperative course.