2. MALABSOPTION
Malabsorption involves problems with the body's ability to take in (absorb)
nutrients from food.
Malabsorption syndrome refers to a number of disorders in which the small
intestine can’t absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids.
3.
4. The main role of your small intestine is to absorb nutrients from the food you eat
into your bloodstream.
Nutrients that the small intestine often has trouble absorbing can be one or both
of the following:
macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats)
micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)
5. Causes
Many diseases can cause malabsorption. Most often, malabsorption involves
problems absorbing certain sugars, fats, proteins, or vitamins
Problems or damage to the small intestine that may lead to problems absorbing
important nutrients. These include:
damage to the intestine from infection, inflammation, trauma (injury),
other conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, chronic pancreatitis,
or cystic fibrosis
parasite or tapeworm infection
6. Enzymes produced by the pancreas help absorb fats and other nutrients. A
decrease of these enzymes makes it harder to absorb fats and certain nutrients.
Problems with the pancreas may be caused by:
• Cystic fibrosis
• Infections or swelling of the pancreas
• Trauma to the pancreas
• Surgery to remove part of the pancreas
7. Certain diseases may cause malabsorption. These include tropical sprue, a
condition most common in:
the Caribbean
India
parts of Southeast Asia
Tropical sprue may be related to environmental factors, such as:
toxins in food
infection
parasites
8. Risk factors for malabsorption syndrome
Risk factors for malabsorption syndrome include:
a family history of cystic fibrosis or malabsorption
drinking large amounts of alcohol
intestinal surgery
use of certain medications, including laxatives or mineral oil
travel to the Caribbean, India, and parts of Southeast Asia
9. Symptoms
In children, current weight or rate of weight gain is often much lower than that of
other children of similar age and sex. This is called failure to thrive. The child
may not grow and develop normally.
Adults may also have failure to thrive, with weight loss, muscle wasting,
weakness, and even problems thinking.
10. Changes in the stools may include:
• Bloating, cramping, and gas
• Bulky stools
• Chronic diarrhea
• Fatty stools (steatorrhea)
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will do an exam. Tests that may be done include:
• Blood and urine tests
11. • CT scan of the abdomen
• Hydrogen breath test
• MR or CT enterorrhaphy
• Schilling test for vitamin B12 deficiency
• Secretin stimulation test
• Stool culture or culture of small intestine aspirate
• X-rays of the small bowel or other imaging tests
12. Your dietitian may recommend:
Enzyme supplements
Vitamin supplements
Diet changes
Prevention
Prevention depends on the condition causing malabsorption.
13. if needed, injections of some vitamins and minerals or special growth factors will
be given. Those with damage to the pancreas may need to take pancreatic
enzymes. Your provider will prescribe these if necessary.
Long-term malabsorption can result in:
• Anemia
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Thin and weakened bones
14. Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and is aimed at relieving symptoms and ensuring
the body receives enough nutrients.
A high-calorie diet may be tried. It should supply:
• Key vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12
• Enough carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
