Protocol · Digestive
Short Bowel Syndrome Protocol
Glutamine is the core of this stack, with 3 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Short Bowel Syndrome.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
4 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Glutamine | Amount listed: 15–30 g daily (divided doses) | Primary fuel for enterocytes; promotes intestinal adaptation and villus growth | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Colostrum | Amount listed: 3–6 g daily | Contains growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-β) that support intestinal epithelial repair
| Grade C for Muscle Mass1 study · 8 people | ||
| Probiotics (Multi-strain) | Amount listed: 20–50 billion CFU daily | Supports intestinal adaptation and reduces bacterial overgrowth risk | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin B12 (Sublingual/Injection) | Amount listed: 1,000 mcg daily sublingual or monthly injection | Often malabsorbed due to ileal resection; sublingual bypasses GI absorption | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade C
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Short bowel syndrome occurs after surgical removal of significant portions of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes. This protocol supports intestinal adaptation.
- Glutamine is the primary fuel source for intestinal cells. It promotes the growth of new intestinal villi (the finger-like projections that absorb nutrients) and supports the intestinal barrier. Studies show improved nutrient absorption with high-dose glutamine.
- Colostrum contains natural growth factors that stimulate intestinal cell growth and repair.
- Probiotics help prevent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which is common in SBS and worsens malabsorption.
- Vitamin B12 is critical because it's normally absorbed in the ileum (often removed). Sublingual or injectable forms bypass the damaged gut.
Note: SBS patients require comprehensive medical management including fluid/electrolyte replacement, fat-soluble vitamin monitoring (A, D, E, K), and often specialized nutrition support.
Expected timeline: Intestinal adaptation continues for 1-2 years post-surgery. Supplements support this process but work gradually over months.