Using ChatGPT to monitor ones nutrition levels

[Shamrock4806]

ChatGPT has been an excellent tool to insure a healthy and safe diet, especially for ileostomates.

Simply start out by taking pictures through ChatGPT of your vitamin nutrition labels. A brief description of what sorts of foods you consume regularly and ensure you mention you have an ileostomy.

Ileostomates can lose fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and B12, depending on resection length.

Potassium and magnesium losses are common. However magnesium is a laxative so start out by taking less than daily recommended amount and working up until diarrhea occurs which can last 12-24 hours, sub other foods rich in magnesium like bananas, avocado and potatoes over the day.

I created my own oral hydrate solution by having a 3/4 chilled filled water bottle, adding just tiny pinches of salt until I can barely taste it after it's shaken then filled up with orange juice for flavor and potassium and shaken again. Then I sip slowly and occasionally if needed. Seems to slow the constant craving for water which just flushes right onto the bag.

Another trick is adding whey isolate protein powder to meals, to low fat/lactose free milk as a shake or mixed with just plain water. This adds much needed protein without the protein side effects like from fatty meats which can trigger diarrhea episodes. I now minimize meals to small 4 oz portions I know that doesn't cause issues and rely upon the protein powder as my main source of energy as it's very easy on the digestive system.

Here is an output example produced by ChatGPT

Nutrient Typical RDA (Adult Male) Your Total Intake Evaluation

Vitamin A 900 µg RAE 450 µg (50 %) Good partial coverage.
Vitamin C 90 mg 75 mg (83 %) Nearly full.
Vitamin D 20 µg (800 IU) 100 % Excellent.
Vitamin E 15 mg 100 % On target.
Vitamin K2 No DV set; 90–120 µg typical 100 µg Ideal.
Vitamin B6 1.7 mg 3.4 mg (200 %) High but safe.
Vitamin B12 2.4 µg 9 µg (375 %) Good—important for ileostomy.
Folate 400 µg DFE 300 µg (75 %) Slightly low; acceptable if diet good.
Niacin (B3) 16 mg 8 mg (50 %) Moderate.
Biotin 30 µg 30 µg (100 %) Good.
Iron 8 mg 28 mg (156 %) High; monitor ferritin if taking long term.
Zinc 11 mg 5 mg (45 %) Moderate; could increase.
Selenium 55 µg 227.5 µg (414 %) from both supplements High end but below upper limit (400 µg). Limit to 1 selenium source/day.
Magnesium 400 mg 150 mg (30 %) Moderate; safe.
Potassium 3,400 mg 99 mg (2 %) Negligible.
Chromium 35 µg 17.5 µg (50 %) Fine.
Iodine 150 µg 75 µg (50 %) Adequate if diet has iodized salt or seafood.


Apparently I purchased extra Selenium I thought I needed but was already covered by the multivitamin. I'm also a bit high on the iron.

If ones B12 is low they may experience neuropathy which is pain or tingling in the nerve endings on fingers and toes.

Good luck and I hope this helps you!