Malabsorption is a disorder that occurs when people cannot absorb nutrients from their diets. Many different types of malabsorption disorders exist. Diagnosing the root cause can help determine the proper treatment.
Because malabsorption affects a person’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, it is essential that they consult a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.
Malabsorption is an umbrella term for various disorders that can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. Any nutrients that the body cannot absorb then exit the body via the stool.
Without treatment, malabsorption can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or even malnutrition.
Malabsorption occurs due to a disruption in at least one part of the digestive process.
Digestion begins when the enzymes in a person’s saliva start to break down food into smaller parts that the body can absorb.
Enzymes continue to break down the food as it travels through the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and large and small intestines before leaving the body as waste products.
Malabsorption can occur if:
- someone does not have enough digestive enzymes
- bacteria or other foreign invaders are present
- movement in the small or large intestine is faster than usual.
General malabsorption hinders the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. It is also possible to have a specific type of malabsorption that affects the body’s ability to acquire certain nutrients from food, such as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, or vitamins.
Some of the underlying conditions that may cause malabsorption
- bowel resection
- celiac disease
- cholestasis, which refers to obstruction of bile secretion and flow
- cystic fibrosis
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- issues with lipoprotein secretion
- lactose intolerance
- liver disease such as hepatic cirrhosis
- lymphatic system disorders such as Whipple disease
- pancreatic issues, such as chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, or pancreatic amylase deficiency
- small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
It is important to work with a doctor to determine the underlying cause of malabsorption.
Malabsorption symptoms vary according to the cause, the severity of the condition, and how long a person has had the disorder.
Examples of some immediate malabsorption symptoms that may occur include:
- bloating and stomach distention
- diarrhea
- gas
- steatorrhea, or greasy, fatty stool
- unintentional weight loss
People need nutrients from food to help maintain bodily health. When their body cannot properly absorb these nutrients, they might experience the more
The
Malabsorption can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and even developmental issues in children and some adults.
A person can also experience impaired wound healing, immune system issues, and low energy levels.
Malabsorption may also lead to health issues such as cardiac arrhythmia, which refers to an irregular heartbeat, or osteoporosis, which involves decreased bone mineral density.
To diagnose a malabsorption disorder, a doctor will ask a person about their symptoms.
They might ask about when they first noticed the symptoms, what makes these symptoms worse or better, and if they have any existing medical conditions.
Based on this, a doctor may recommend various tests to rule out or confirm a diagnosis, such as:
- Blood tests: Doctors may request full blood counts and electrolyte balances. Checking protein levels in the blood may also help a doctor understand whether someone is malnourished and to what degree.
- Stool tests: A doctor may request a stool sample to measure the excess fat in the stool. High levels of fat might mean that a person is not absorbing the fat in their diet very well.
- Breath tests: A doctor commonly performs a breath test to check for hydrogen gas in those who may be lactose intolerant. The intestines will produce excess hydrogen gas if they cannot absorb lactose correctly.
- Biopsy: A doctor may perform a biopsy of the small intestine to diagnose certain types of conditions that may lead to malabsorption.
- Imaging tests: Sometimes, a doctor may order imaging studies to check the function and structure of the digestive organs.
A doctor may also recommend an esophagogastroduodenoscopy or a colonoscopy to examine the intestinal lining and take tissue biopsies to diagnose certain conditions.
Treatment options for malabsorption depend upon the underlying cause.
For example, doctors will treat malabsorption due to lactose intolerance differently from treatments for malabsorption due to liver disease or IBD.
Initially, a doctor may recommend avoiding a potential food type that may be causing the malabsorption, such as lactose or gluten-containing foods.
The doctor can evaluate the nutrients present in this food type and recommend supplements to enhance nutritional intake. A doctor may also recommend replacing missing enzymes or prescribing medications to enhance appetite.
People may also choose to meet with a registered dietitian to establish a nutritious diet that is less likely to cause unpleasant symptoms relating to malabsorption.
A doctor will likely recommend frequent follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make new recommendations if necessary.
At-home treatment and care
At home, it is important to follow the doctor’s or registered dietitian’s specific dietary recommendations to avoid malabsorption.
A person may also wish to ask their doctor about any other remedies that may help ease uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
Taking steps to follow a healthy lifestyle, such as managing stress, exercising regularly, and prioritizing sleep, can also help promote digestive health.
While everyone may experience some bloating, nausea, and even occasional diarrhea, anyone who experiences a continued pattern of stomach upset needs to consult a doctor.
People need immediate medical attention if they observe blood in their stool or cough up blood.
Signs people need to make an appointment with their doctor include:
- frequent diarrhea
- greasy or fatty stool
- persistent abdominal bloating
- sore tongue
- weight loss
A doctor can help evaluate a person’s symptoms and start to make a diagnosis.
Malabsorption syndromes and their symptoms can dramatically affect a person’s life.
Anyone who notices digestive symptoms that increase in frequency or intensity needs to consult a doctor as soon as possible. This way, they can receive a proper diagnosis and determine the right treatment before they experience related health complications.