Malabsorption is a condition in which nutrients from food are not properly digested or absorbed. Certain illnesses can be caused by a deficiency in nutrient absorption. Malabsorption can be caused by a variety of factors, including Chronic granulomatous disease (the number one cause in the United States). 

People with malabsorption syndrome can be affected by a variety of conditions that can cause intestinal damage. long-term administration of antibiotics Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, chronic pancreatitis, and other autoimmune diseases 

You may have a condition known as malabsorption. 

As a result of eating a nutritious diet, you expect your body to absorb the vitamins and minerals it contains. However, a condition known as malabsorption syndrome means that your body is unable to absorb many of the nutrients in the food you consume. Symptoms of this digestive disorder include bloating and diarrhea. 

Carotene levels in the blood can indicate a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins or a deficiency in dietary intake. People with fat malabsorption have lower levels of serum carotene. The levels of vitamin B12 and folate in the blood can also be used to detect malabsorption. 

Causes 

A wide range of conditions can lead to malnutrition. The most common symptom of malabsorption is an inability to properly utilize certain nutrients, such as sugar, fat, protein, or vitamins. An overall problem with food absorption may also be to blame. 

The small intestine is susceptible to damage or dysfunction, which can compromise the absorption of essential nutrients. Among them are the following: celiac disease, tropical sprue, Crohn’s disease, Whipple disease, and radiation damage. 

Small bowel overgrowth of bacteria  

  • Parasite or tapeworms
  • Surgery to remove all or a portion of the small bowel

The pancreas’ enzymes aid in the absorption of fats and other nutrients. Fats and other nutrients are more difficult to absorb when these enzymes are in short supply. One or more of the following may result in pancreas-related issues: cystic fibrosis; pancreatic infections or swelling; trauma to the pancreas; or surgery to remove part of the pancreas. 

Malabsorption can also be caused by AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), certain medications (such as tetracycline, some antacids, some medicines used to treat obesity, colchicine, acarbose, phenytoin, and cholestyramine), obesity surgery, cholestasis, chronic liver disease, cow’s milk protein intolerance, and soymilk protein intolerance, as well as a number of other factors. 

Symptoms 

When compared to other children of the same age and gender, a child’s current weight or rate of weight gain is frequently significantly lower. Failure to thrive is a term for this. It’s possible that the child won’t grow and develop as normally as other children. 

People of any age can suffer from failure to thrive, which can manifest as weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, and even cognitive difficulties. 

Stool changes are not always present, but they are common. 

  • Bloating, cramping, and gas may occur in the stools. 
  • Stools that are excessively large 
  • Chronic diarrhea and fatty stools are two symptoms of this condition (steatorrhea) 

Tests for Malabsorption 

  • Blood and urine tests  
  • CT (Computerized Tomography) scan of the abdomen 
  • Hydrogen breath test  
  • MR or CT enterography  
  • Schilling test for vitamin B12 deficiency  
  • Secretin stimulation test  
  • Small bowel biopsy  
  • Stool fat testing  
  • Stool sample 
  • X-rays of the small bowel or other imaging tests  

What is the treatment for malabsorption syndrome? 

Symptoms and causes of malabsorption syndrome can vary widely. These factors will influence your treatment. Supplemental nutrition in the form of an oral formula, a tube, or an IV may be required to treat the symptoms of malabsorption (intravenously). Food allergies or pancreatic insufficiency may require the replacement of specific digestive enzymes. Bile acid sequestrants (a food additive) can help prevent diarrhea if you have bile acid malabsorption. 

Treating the underlying cause of malnutrition is more difficult. You may only need to adjust your diet if the problem stems from food intolerance. Antibiotics can be used to treat minor infections. Chronic diseases, on the other hand, necessitate specialized treatment. Changing one’s way of life can sometimes help alleviate symptoms when a cure is not immediately available. 

 Some digestive diseases are inherited, while others are caused by unknown factors. However, many digestive system disorders can be avoided or minimized by making simple dietary or exercise changes. At Doral Health and Wellness, the goal of the experts is to alleviate pain and focus on the treatment of specific diagnoses. By getting well, there is an increase in family time to spend with your loved ones.

Here are the services provided at Doral Health and Wellness 

  • Colonoscopy
  • Colon Cancer Screening
  • Celiac Disease Treatment
  • Sigmoidoscopy 
  • Endoscopy

At Doral Health and Wellness, we have doctors that can help you manage your condition. For more information, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690 or 1-347-868-1016. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@mainwebsite.dialysisny.com if you have any queries.