Malabsorption: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Malabsorption is a condition in which your body cannot properly absorb nutrients from the food you eat. This can lead to various health problems, such as weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiencies.
Causes
Malabsorption can have many possible causes, depending on which part of your digestive system is affected. Some of the common causes include:
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Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the lining of your small intestine when you eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
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Crohn’s disease: An inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract, especially in the ileum, the last part of your small intestine.
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Pancreatic insufficiency: A condition in which your pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
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Lactose intolerance: A condition in which your body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a lack of the enzyme lactase.
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Bacterial overgrowth: A condition in which too many bacteria grow in your small intestine, interfering with the absorption of nutrients and producing excess gas and toxins.
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Short bowel syndrome: A condition in which you have a reduced length or function of your small intestine, due to surgery, injury, or disease.
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Parasitic infections: Infections caused by parasites, such as giardia, hookworm, or tapeworm, that can attach to your intestinal wall and consume your nutrients.
Symptoms
The symptoms of malabsorption can vary depending on the cause, the type and amount of nutrients affected, and the severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms include:
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Chronic diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools that may contain blood, mucus, or undigested food particles.
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Steatorrhea: Foul-smelling, greasy, or frothy stools that float or are difficult to flush, due to excess fat in your feces.
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Abdominal pain or cramps: Discomfort or spasms in your stomach or lower abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, gas, or nausea.
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Weight loss or failure to thrive: Unintentional loss of weight or difficulty gaining weight, especially in children, due to inadequate intake or absorption of calories and nutrients.
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Fatigue or weakness: Feeling tired, sluggish, or faint, due to low levels of iron, vitamin B12, or folate in your blood, which are essential for producing red blood cells and energy.
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Bone or joint pain: Aching or stiffness in your bones or joints, due to low levels of calcium, vitamin D, or magnesium in your blood, which are important for maintaining bone health and muscle function.
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Skin or hair problems: Dry, flaky, or itchy skin, or brittle, thinning, or falling hair, due to low levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, or zinc in your blood, which are vital for maintaining skin and hair health.
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Bleeding or bruising: Easy bleeding or bruising, due to low levels of vitamin K in your blood, which is necessary for blood clotting.
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Nerve or brain problems: Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet, or confusion, memory loss, or depression, due to low levels of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 in your blood, which are crucial for nerve and brain function.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of malabsorption, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, ask about your medical history, and order some tests, such as:
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Blood tests: To check your levels of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients in your blood, and to rule out any infections or inflammation.
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Stool tests: To measure the amount of fat, protein, or carbohydrates in your stool, and to detect any parasites, bacteria, or blood in your stool.
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Breath tests: To measure the amount of hydrogen or methane in your breath, which can indicate lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine.
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Urine tests: To measure the amount of certain sugars or amino acids in your urine, which can indicate specific enzyme deficiencies or malabsorption disorders.
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Imaging tests: To visualize your digestive tract and look for any abnormalities, such as inflammation, ulcers, or blockages, using X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
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Endoscopy: To examine the inside of your digestive tract and take tissue samples for biopsy, using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light, called an endoscope, that is inserted through your mouth or anus.
Treatment
The treatment of malabsorption depends on the cause, the type and severity of the malabsorption, and your overall health. Some of the common treatments include:
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Dietary adjustments: Increase your consumption of nutrient-dense foods such fruits, vegetables, lean meats, eggs, and dairy products and avoid or restrict substances like gluten, lactose, or fat that cause or aggravate your symptoms. To avoid dehydration, you might also need to consume smaller, more frequent meals and stay hydrated.
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Supplements: In the form of tablets, injections, or liquids, to replenish or adjust the nutrients that your body is not properly receiving, such as iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin K. To improve your food digestion and absorption, you might also need to take bile salts, probiotics, or digestive enzymes.
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Medications: To treat the underlying cause of your malabsorption, such as antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth or parasitic infections, anti-inflammatory drugs for Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, or pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic insufficiency.
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Surgery: To remove or bypass any part of your digestive tract that is damaged, diseased, or obstructed, such as in cases of severe Crohn’s disease, short bowel syndrome, or intestinal cancer.
Prevention
While some causes of malabsorption are not preventable, such as genetic or autoimmune disorders, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk or recurrence of malabsorption, such as:
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Getting aid as soon as possible: Do not wait to see your doctor to receive the necessary diagnosis and treatment if you see any malabsorption-related signs or symptoms. Your chances of recovering and averting more issues increase the sooner you receive assistance.
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Observing your treatment plan: If your physician or dietitian has identified malabsorption and given you a treatment plan, be careful to adhere to their instructions. This might entail tracking your nutrient levels and symptoms, avoiding or restricting particular meals, and taking your supplements and prescriptions on a regular basis.
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Taking care of yourself: Because malabsorption may have an impact on your physical and mental well-being, it's critical that you look after your physical and mental needs. This includes controlling your stress, eating a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and asking for emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist. These routines can improve your wellbeing, happiness, and immune system.
