Food Malabsorption Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
The small intestine is part of the digestive system which functions to absorb nutrients from processed food, into the blood circulation. Food malabsorption syndrome occurs when the small intestine is unable to adequately absorb fluids and nutrients.
Furthermore, what is called nutrition itself is, including macro-nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats; as well as micro-nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. This malabsorption syndrome cannot be underestimated because those who experience it can experience more serious effects, such as being susceptible to infection and even breaking bones.
Symptoms
Symptoms of food malabsorption will vary depending on the type of nutrient that cannot be absorbed so that it leaves the digestive system. Other symptoms can be shown in the form of certain nutritional deficiencies.
The following are some of the symptoms that arise due to malabsorption of nutrients:
- Fat: Stools become light in color, smell bad, soft, bulky, float and are difficult to flush
- Protein: hair becomes dry and falls out easily; the body becomes swollen due to fluid retention
- Certain sugars: flatulence, diarrhea with gas
- Certain vitamins: anemia, malnutrition, low blood pressure, weight loss, muscle loss
Other symptoms, depending on age and sex, can include cessation of menstruation, stunted growth in children and other signs of malnutrition.
Reason
Many things can hinder the absorption of nutrients by the small intestine, from birth defects to infections. Several other causes can also occur, such as:
- damage to the intestine due to infection, inflammation, trauma, or surgery
- long-term use of antibiotics
- other conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis
- lactose intolerance
- birth defects such as biliary atresia, short bowel syndrome
- a disease of the gallbladder, liver or pancreas
- parasitic infection
- radiation which can damage the inner lining of the intestine
- some drugs that can damage the inner lining of the intestine such as tetracycline, colchicine or cholestyramine
- Bacterial infection in Whipple’s disease
- excessive alcohol consumption
- history of travel to the Caribbean, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia (caused by food poisoning, infection, or parasites)
Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose this syndrome through several examination methods. Will be checked if there are symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, nutritional deficiencies, or significant weight loss even though they have eaten nutritious food.
Several tests can support a diagnosis, such as:
- Stool test
The stool of people with malabsorption syndrome usually contains fat.
- Blood tests
Blood tests can specifically assess the levels of nutrients in the body such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, iron, calcium, albumin, protein, and others. However, a deficiency or deficiency of one type of nutrient is not always due to food malabsorption. It can also be caused by a lack of consuming nutritious foods.
- Breath test
This test is done if lactose intolerance is suspected. Hydrogen gas will be detected in the breath as a result of lactose digestion in the large intestine. Normally, lactose will be absorbed by the small intestine before going to the colon.
- Radiology
This step is done to look for structural problems. A CT scan, for example, is done to look for thickening of the small intestine wall as seen in Crohn’s disease.
- Biopsy.
The doctor can also suggest an endoscope biopsy to check if there are cell abnormalities in the inner wall of the small intestine.
Treatment
The initial goal of treatment is usually to relieve various symptoms that arise such as diarrhea. Medications such as loperamide may help. Furthermore, the treatment of food malabsorption is to replace fluids and nutrients that cannot be absorbed by the small intestine.
Those who experience malabsorption can consult a nutrition specialist to make the necessary dietary plan – including taking enzyme supplements, and vitamins, and adjusting portions and types of food.
Prevention
Prevention of food malabsorption is to avoid the cause, although not all sources of problems can be simply avoided. For example, people with lactose intolerance should avoid lactose products such as milk and dairy products.
Also, try to eat a healthy balanced diet. Also, pay attention to food hygiene as much as possible so that the digestive system is protected from harmful bacteria and parasites.