Malabsorption is a condition resulting from impaired absorption of food nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Malabsorption may involve one or more nutrients, depending on the abnormality. This can lead to malnutrition and other complications. Malabsorption can occur in conditions that can damage the intestines, such as Crohn’s disease, Whipple’s disease, celiac disease, etc. Depending on the nature of the disease process causing malabsorption and its extent, gastrointestinal symptoms can range from severe to be subtle or even completely absent. Diarrhea, weight loss, flatulence, abdominal bloating, abdominal cramps and pain may be present. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is necessary to prevent malnutrition and other complications of malabsorption. Treating the underlying cause resolves malabsorption. Untreated malabsorption can lead to all kinds of complications and problems.

• What is malabsorption?
• Causes of malabsorption
• Symptoms of malabsorption
• Complications
• Who is at risk?
• Examination and diagnosis

• Stool examination
• Blood tests
• Hydrogen breath test
• Sweat test
• Biopsy
• Bowel examination

• Treatment of malabsorption

• Diet and supplements
• Medicines

• Prognosis
• Self-care and prevention

 Malabsorption is a disorder of the small intestine / Source: Nerthuz/Shutterstock.com

What is malabsorption?

If you eat a healthy and varied diet, there will normally be no deficiencies in the body; assuming that the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine is good. Malabsorption or malabsorption syndrome is the condition in which your body is unable to absorb many of the nutrients from the food you eat; the absorption of nutrients from food is inadequate. This digestive problem can lead to symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea. Malabsorptions can also cause serious complications, including a higher risk of infection and bone fractures.

Causes of malabsorption

Normally, you absorb most of the nutrients into your bloodstream through the wall of the small intestine. You absorb the rest of the nutrients through the large intestine. Your blood then transports nutrients, such as calcium or proteins, to your bones, muscles and organs. You expel what’s left through the feces. Several medical conditions can interfere with that process. Losses can occur through fistulas and burns and the like. Infections (from bacteria, viruses or parasites) can also damage your intestinal wall, so that digested substances cannot pass through. You then lose those nutrients through your stool when you poop. The causes of malabsorption are the following.

 Abdominal pain due to malabsorption / Source: Andrey Popov/Shutterstock.com

Symptoms of malabsorption

Malabsorption often causes abdominal pain or cramps, flatulence and bloating. Other symptoms you may have include:

• frequent diarrhea
• bad smelling and loose, soft stools
• stools that are light in color or bulky
• stool that is difficult to flush away because it floats (floating stool)
• weight loss
• scaly rash

Chronic or persistent diarrhea is a common sign of malabsorption .

Complications

If your body doesn’t get the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy, you could suffer from serious complications. If left untreated, malabsorption can lead to an increased risk of infections, bone fractures, and slower growth and weight gain in children. Certain nutrients, such as vitamin A and zinc, are vital for a healthy immune system and proper growth. If your body doesn’t absorb these and other important vitamins and minerals, your health can suffer significantly.

Who is at risk?

Children with a bad stomach flu may have a greater risk of short-term malabsorption syndrome. Persistent malabsorption is likely due to one of the following digestive conditions:

• celiac disease
• cystic fibrosis
• Crohn’s disease

Other factors that may increase your risk of the syndrome include:

• taking laxatives or taking antibiotics for a long time
• gastrointestinal surgery
• traveling to places where you are more likely to contract intestinal parasites

Examination and diagnosis

The doctor will ask questions about your complaints and will perform a physical examination. The doctor may also perform various tests to determine the cause of the problem.

Stool examination

Too much fat in your stool can mean poor absorption. Stool examination can help identify disturbances and intestinal diseases.Collection of blood for research into malabsorption / Source: Istock.com/Jovanmandic

Blood tests

A blood test can show nutrient deficiencies, vitamin deficiency and electrolyte disturbances.

Hydrogen breath test

This is a test that can diagnose lactose intolerance. A doctor can see how well you absorb nutrients by measuring how much hydrogen you inhale after drinking a milk sugar (lactose) solution.

Sweat test

This is a test that involves collecting sweat for 30 minutes and can help diagnose cystic fibrosis. One of the effects of that disease is a lack of enzymes to properly digest food.

Biopsy

Small intestine biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken from the small intestine and examined under a microscope to see if it shows signs of infection or other problems.

Bowel examination

A doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to check the inside of your intestines. A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the large intestine.Medication in case of infection as a cause of malabsorption / Source: Stevepb, Pixabay

Treatment of malabsorption

Diet and supplements

Treatment of malabsorption depends on the cause. You can follow a special diet with foods that are easier to digest and absorb. You may also be prescribed supplements to compensate for nutrients that are not absorbed properly.

Medicines

Sometimes the cause of malabsorption syndrome is an intestinal tract that is too active. Medications may be prescribed to help relax the intestines so that there is more time for nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream. If an infection is the cause of malabsorption, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Prognosis

Malabsorption can have serious consequences on your life. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of the underlying problem is important and reduces the risk of unwanted weight loss and other complications.

Self-care and prevention

Malabsorption cannot always be prevented, especially if you have celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or another chronic condition. A chronic condition is one that persists and lasts for a long time, from several years to sometimes your entire life. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and be adherent to your medication. Furthermore, make sure you eat a healthy and varied diet.

read more

• Intestinal complaints and diarrhea: symptoms, cause and treatment
• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: intestinal upset symptoms
• Intestinal blockage or constipated intestines: symptoms and causes
• Intestinal parasite Giardia: symptoms, cause and treatment
• Bowel examination (colonoscopy): what is it and what does it entail?