Intestinal malabsorption disorder: Causes, signs, and additional details
Malabsorption is a condition that hinders the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients from food, leading to potential health issues. This article explores the common causes, symptoms, and treatments of malabsorption disorders.
Malabsorption can stem from a variety of conditions and factors that impair the digestive system's ability to absorb nutrients properly. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease, damage the mucosal lining of the intestines, leading to poor nutrient absorption [1][2]. Pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, causes impaired digestion and absorption, especially of fats [2].
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), an abnormal increase in bacteria in the small intestine, and gallbladder or bile duct obstruction, which reduces bile release needed for fat absorption, are other common causes of malabsorption [1][2]. Medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain infections can also contribute to malabsorption [1][3].
Symptoms of malabsorption vary and can include bloating, diarrhea, gas, greasy stool, unintentional weight loss, anemia, bone fractures, chronic fatigue, muscle wasting, skin rash, impaired wound healing, immune system issues, low energy levels, cardiac arrhythmia, and osteoporosis [4].
To diagnose a malabsorption disorder, a doctor will ask about symptoms and may order tests such as blood tests to check full blood counts, electrolyte balances, and protein levels. Stool tests may be ordered to measure the excess fat in the stool. Breath tests can be performed to check for hydrogen gas in those who may be lactose intolerant. In some cases, imaging tests, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, or biopsy of the small intestine may be recommended to examine the intestinal lining and diagnose certain conditions [4].
Treatment options for malabsorption depend upon the underlying cause. A doctor may recommend avoiding a potential food type that may be causing the malabsorption, supplementing with nutrients, or prescribing medication to manage the underlying condition. A doctor may also evaluate the nutrients present in this food type and recommend supplements to enhance nutritional intake [5].
Anyone who observes blood in their stool or coughs up blood needs immediate medical attention. It is essential to consult a doctor if experiencing a continued pattern of stomach upset, frequent diarrhea, greasy or fatty stool, persistent abdominal bloating, sore tongue, and weight loss [4].
A doctor will likely recommend frequent follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make new recommendations if necessary. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress can help improve overall digestive efficiency, although they are more commonly linked to general digestion problems rather than specific malabsorption syndromes [4].
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Malabsorption syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/malabsorption-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353455
[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Malabsorption. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/malabsorption
[3] American College of Gastroenterology. (2020). Malabsorption. https://www.acg.org/patients/disease-information/malabsorption
[4] British Society of Gastroenterology. (2019). Malabsorption. https://www.bsg.org.uk/patients/disease-information/malabsorption
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Malabsorption Syndrome. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17080-malabsorption-syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease can cause malabsorption, as they damage the intestine's mucosal lining.
- Pancreatic insufficiency, resulting in a lack of digestive enzymes, also leads to impaired digestion and absorption, particularly of fats.
- Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and gallbladder or bile duct obstruction are additional common causes of malabsorption.
- Medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain infections can contribute to malabsorption.
- Symptoms of malabsorption may include bloating, diarrhea, gas, unintentional weight loss, anemia, skin rash, and impaired wound healing.
- A doctor may conduct blood tests, stool tests, breath tests, imaging tests, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, or biopsy of the small intestine to diagnose malabsorption disorders.
- Treatment for malabsorption depends on the underlying cause, and may involve avoiding certain food types, supplementing nutrients, or managing the underlying condition with medication.
- Anyone experiencing blood in their stool or coughing up blood should seek immediate medical attention.
- Regular doctor check-ups and a balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, and stress management can help improve overall digestive efficiency.
- Malabsorption syndromes are more commonly associated with specific digestion problems, but these practices can aid general digestion.
- Hepatitis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, which are chronic medical conditions, can potentially be linked to malabsorption due to their impact on the immune system and the digestive system.
- Obesity, asthma, colitis, ulcerative colitis, HIV, depression, and anemia are conditions that may be affected by malabsorption, as they are related to health and wellness, chronic diseases, and the digestive system.
- Science and medical research continue to explore predictive links between malabsorption and macular degeneration, diabetes, food allergies, food and food benefits, nutrition, fitness and exercise, and dry eye conditions.
