Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesRisk FactorsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Thesmall intestineis part of the digestive system. Itfinishes breaking down food and absorbs most of the nutrients in food after it passes through the mouth, the esophagus, and the stomach.Malabsorption syndromedevelops when your small intestine stops absorbing nutrients properly. It develops after an injury or disease impacts the health of the intestines.
This article covers everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of malabsorption syndrome.
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Possible causes of malabsorption syndrome include:
Some of the risk factors for developing malabsorption syndrome include:
Depending on the cause of malabsorption syndrome, the symptoms will vary. Some types will only occur after eating a specific food or during flare-ups (when symptoms worsen) of a condition.
On the other hand, some causes of malabsorption, like short bowel syndrome, lead to long-term digestive changes.
Here are some of the symptoms you may experience with malabsorption syndrome:
If your healthcare provider suspects you have absorption issues, they will likely perform several tests to monitor absorption and find possible causes of malabsorption. Tests used to diagnose malabsorption include:
Stool Test
A sample of stool (feces) is collected to measure fat. Higher than normal amounts of fat in stool often occur in people with malabsorption.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are done to measure the level of nutrients in your bloodstream.
People with malabsorption syndrome are more likely to experience nutrient deficiencies. As a result, the healthcare provider may order lab work to assess protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, iron, calcium, and other nutrients.
However, blood work alone can’t diagnose or rule out malabsorption syndrome. Nutrient deficiencies have multiple possible causes. So, even if a test comes back low, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have malabsorption syndrome.
And a normal lab level doesn’t mean you’re not having absorption problems because it can take time for a deficiency to develop.
Breath Tests
Breath tests measure the amount of hydrogen in your breath after consuming a drink with lactose. These tests are used to diagnose conditions like lactose intolerance andSIBO.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure in which a camera attached to a long, flexible tube is used to look at the inside of the intestines.
Imaging
Imaging tests, like computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasounds, show the structure of the intestines. They’re used to look for thickening of the intestinal wall and other abnormalities.
Biopsy
A biopsy of the small intestine is often done during an endoscopy.
Treatment for malabsorption syndrome depends on the cause.
After replacing some nutrients and fluids, your healthcare provider will look to treat and manage the cause. For example, if you have celiac disease, you’ll need to avoid gluten. For lactose intolerance, you’ll need to avoid most dairy foods.
Your provider may refer you to a registered dietitian to help you make dietary changes to meet your nutritional needs and develop a plan that works for you.
Other treatments that may help malabsorption syndrome include:
If left untreated, malabsorption syndrome may lead to complications like:
Summary
It can be diagnosed with stool tests, blood work, breath tests, imaging, or a biopsy. Treatment may include diet changes and supplements. If left untreated, malabsorption syndrome can cause complications like a weak immune system, nutrient deficiencies, and osteoporosis.
A Word From Verywell
Most of the time, you can manage malabsorption syndrome with dietary changes and taking supplements to prevent deficiencies. If you think you’re having problems digesting and absorbing food, speak with a healthcare provider to discover the cause and prevent complications.
You may be asked to follow a special diet to manage malabsorption syndrome. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider or dietitian if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common symptoms of malabsorption syndrome include frequent diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease can cause malabsorption syndrome.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.De Flines J, Louis E, Paquot N. [Assessment of a digestive malabsorption syndrome].Rev Med Liege. 2018;73(10):526-532.Semrad CE.Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. Published online 2012:895-913. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4377-1604-7.00142-1Webb GJ, Brooke R, De Silva AN.Chronic radiation enteritis and malnutrition.J Dig Dis. 2013;14(7):350-357. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.12061Massironi S, Cavalcoli F, Rausa E, Invernizzi P, Braga M, Vecchi M.Understanding short bowel syndrome: Current status and future perspectives.Dig Liver Dis. 2020;52(3):253-261. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2019.11.013.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.De Flines J, Louis E, Paquot N. [Assessment of a digestive malabsorption syndrome].Rev Med Liege. 2018;73(10):526-532.Semrad CE.Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. Published online 2012:895-913. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4377-1604-7.00142-1Webb GJ, Brooke R, De Silva AN.Chronic radiation enteritis and malnutrition.J Dig Dis. 2013;14(7):350-357. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.12061Massironi S, Cavalcoli F, Rausa E, Invernizzi P, Braga M, Vecchi M.Understanding short bowel syndrome: Current status and future perspectives.Dig Liver Dis. 2020;52(3):253-261. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2019.11.013.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
De Flines J, Louis E, Paquot N. [Assessment of a digestive malabsorption syndrome].Rev Med Liege. 2018;73(10):526-532.Semrad CE.Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. Published online 2012:895-913. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4377-1604-7.00142-1Webb GJ, Brooke R, De Silva AN.Chronic radiation enteritis and malnutrition.J Dig Dis. 2013;14(7):350-357. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.12061Massironi S, Cavalcoli F, Rausa E, Invernizzi P, Braga M, Vecchi M.Understanding short bowel syndrome: Current status and future perspectives.Dig Liver Dis. 2020;52(3):253-261. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2019.11.013.
De Flines J, Louis E, Paquot N. [Assessment of a digestive malabsorption syndrome].Rev Med Liege. 2018;73(10):526-532.
Semrad CE.Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. Published online 2012:895-913. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4377-1604-7.00142-1
Webb GJ, Brooke R, De Silva AN.Chronic radiation enteritis and malnutrition.J Dig Dis. 2013;14(7):350-357. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.12061
Massironi S, Cavalcoli F, Rausa E, Invernizzi P, Braga M, Vecchi M.Understanding short bowel syndrome: Current status and future perspectives.Dig Liver Dis. 2020;52(3):253-261. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2019.11.013.
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