Malabsorption Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Table of Content

• How Foods Are Digested And Absorbed?

• What are the Symptoms of malabsorption syndrome?

• What are the Causes of malabsorption syndrome?

• Types of malabsorption syndrome

• What is malabsorption syndrome diagnosis?

• How to treat malabsorption syndrome?

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Malabsorption Syndrome

Introduction

Malabsorption syndrome is an umbrella term to describe the disorders that reduce the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. Malabsorption can lead to indigestion and also malnutrition in the long run. There can be various reasons why this occurs - can be intestinal diseases, enzyme malfunctions or genetic disorders. In this article, you will get a clear idea about the malabsorption symptoms, their causes and treatment. 

How Foods Are Digested And Absorbed?

Before knowing in detail about "what is malabsorption syndrome" let us take you through the journey of food from the mouth to the rectum. 

The food you eat is moved into the stomach by the peristaltic movements of the oesophagus (food pipe). When your food enters your stomach, the food is broken down into small pieces called rhymes by the action of digestive juices and it is sent to the small intestine. Here, the food is mixed with the juices from the pancreas, liver and intestine. Additionally, other than breaking down the food particles, a small one-time also absorbs the nutrients and water from your food. From here, the undigested and waste products of food reach the rectum through the peristaltic movements of the large intestine. From the rectum, it is flushed out of the body by bowel movements. 

What are the Symptoms of malabsorption syndrome?

Malabsorption syndrome can cause severe discomfort in the abdomen, gas formations and bloating. Other symptoms of malabsorption syndrome are,

• Bad odored loose stool

• Frequent diarrhea

• Bully stools light in color

• Stools stick to the toilet seat and are difficult to flush

• Weight loss

• Scaly skin rashes

What are the Causes of malabsorption syndrome?

There are many reasons why people develop malabsorption syndrome - they range from infections to genetic diseases. Some of the common causes of malabsorption syndrome are, 

• Intestinal infections, inflammation or trauma (injuries)

• Prolonged use of drugs like cholestyramine, colchicine and tetracycline can injure the intestinal lining and also antibiotics

• Radiation therapies

• Parasitic infections

• Gallbladder, liver or pancreatic diseases

• Congenital abnormalities like biliary atresia (abnormalities in bile ducts prevent the flow of bile from the liver)

• Lactose intolerance

• Other conditions like chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis and celiac disease

The malabsorption syndrome may be due to your body not being able to produce enzymes for digestion or it can find it difficult to mix the foods with enzymes and acids secreted by the stomach. 

Types of malabsorption syndrome

Any disorders in digestion and absorption of foods in the small intestine can cause malabsorption. Based on the absorptivity of the small intestine, malabsorption is of two types, 

• Global or complete malabsorption: Under this condition, the small intestine would be unable to absorb most of the nutrients. 

• Partial or isolated malabsorption: As the name implies, the small intestine absorbs most nutrients except a few specific ones.  

What is malabsorption syndrome diagnosis?

Various procedures are used to diagnose absorption syndrome. Some common ones include, 

• Breath tests: Hydrogen tests can help in knowing the presence of lactose intolerances or any bacterial overgrowth. 

• Stool tests: Stool tests can help in diagnosing fat malabsorption, parasitic infections and pancreatic disorders. 

• Blood tests: Blood tests can show the nutrient deficiencies that are resulting from malabsorption. 

• Sweat tests: Sweat tests are specifically used for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. 

• Imaging tests: Imagining tests are used to examine your digestive organs for any signs of disease. The procedures used in imaging tests are GI X-ray exam, endoscopic ultrasound or video capsule endoscopy.

• Biopsy: Your doctor may take a piece of your intestinal tissue during the endoscopic exam for learning about any damage in the mucosa. 

How to treat malabsorption syndrome?

Your healthcare provider may provide supplements or suggest you some dietary changes for fighting malabsorption. 

• Enzyme Supplements: These enzymes help your body in absorbing the nutrients which it isn't capable of absorbing on its own. 

• Vitamin Supplements: You may be recommended vitamin supplements to help you in getting vitamins that are not getting absorbed in your intestine. 

• Diet Changes: You will be asked to avoid or include certain foods. For example, you may be advised to avoid fatty foods to prevent diarrhoea. 

Take-Home Points

• Malabsorption syndrome is an umbrella term that describes the digestion problems and malnutrition resulting from the poor absorption mechanisms in the intestine. 

• Several infections, inflammation, injuries or even congenital abnormalities can result in malabsorption syndrome. 

• Breath tests, Stool tests, Blood tests, Sweat tests, Imaging tests, and Biopsies are some of the malabsorption syndrome diagnosis methods. 

• Lifestyle changes, supplements and a proper diet can help you in overcoming malabsorption syndrome.