To sustain a healthy physique, we require nutrients from meals. When we eat a nutritious meal, we anticipate our body to benefit from the vitamins and minerals we consume. 

When our bodies cannot absorb these nutrients adequately, individuals may suffer from the long-term repercussions of malabsorption.

Malabsorption is a condition in which patients cannot absorb nutrients such as carbs, lipids, minerals, proteins, or vitamins from their diets. Maldigestion is when nutrients are not adequately digested within the intestinal lumen or at the brush barrier. Lactose intolerance and celiac disease are two of the most well-known malabsorption illnesses.

A disruption in at least one portion of a person's digestion causes malabsorption.

Causes

As partially digested food passes through our digestive system, most of our nutrients are absorbed into our circulation through the small intestine wall. (The balances of our nutrients are absorbed through the big intestine.)

Our blood then transports nutrients to bones, muscles, and organs, such as calcium and protein. When one goes to the bathroom, evacuate what is left over. 

A variety of medical disorders can obstruct this process. Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can damage our intestinal wall, preventing digested substances from passing through. When we go to the bathroom, we lose those nutrients through our feces.

Other factors that may raise our risk of developing malabsorption include: 

Long-term use of laxatives or antibiotics

Surgery on the intestine

Visiting areas where intestinal parasites are common

Who Has A Better Chance Of Getting This? A short-term bout of malabsorption syndrome is more likely in children who have nasty stomach flu.

How it usually works?

Digestion begins when the enzymes in a person's saliva break down food into smaller pieces that the body can absorb. Before it leaves the body as waste products, enzymes break down the food as it travels through the esophagus, stomach, and large and small intestines.

Malabsorption can develop if someone does not have enough digestive enzymes, bacteria or other foreign invaders, or movement in the small or large intestine is faster than usual.

Symptoms 

Symptoms of malabsorption vary depending on the etiology, severity of the ailment, and length of time a person has had the disorder.

The following are some examples of acute malabsorption symptoms that may occur: Bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, steatorrhea (pale to white feces with a "greasy" texture) and weakness are some of the symptoms we may experience.

Treatment

The doctor may refer to a dietician at this point. A dietician will develop a treatment plan to ensure that we receive the nutrients our body requires. 

Our nutritionist might suggest:

Supplemental enzymes: These supplements aid in the absorption of nutrients that our body cannot absorb on its own. 

Supplements with vitamins. To compensate for the nutrients not being absorbed by our intestine, our dietician may recommend large doses of vitamins or other nutrients.

Dietary changes: Dietitian may recommend changes to our diets, such as adding or subtracting certain foods or nutrients. For example, to balance electrolytes, we may be recommended to avoid foods high in fat and increase potassium.

Bhagyashree Hatti
M. Tech (Food Technology)
Quality Assurance and R&D