Nutrition For Malabsorption

Malabsorption is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to absorb and use nutrients. Afflicted persons may experience a wide range of symptoms, depending upon the nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms may be gastrointestinal in nature, but may include several vague symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. If you experience unexplained weight loss or other chronic symptoms, consult your doctor to rule out malabsorption. Nutrition plays a major role in the treatment of this condition.

Diagnosis

The first step in recovering nutrition loss from malabsorption is to determine the underlying cause. Until the condition is treated, malabsorption will persist and potentially lead to more serious health conditions. Your doctor may order a series of laboratory tests, including blood work and fecal tests to identify a cause as well as any existing nutrient deficiencies. Based on these findings, she can recommend treatment to address nutrient concerns. Conditions that may cause malabsorption include celiac disease, Crohn's disease and parasitic infections.

Nutritional Needs

Blood tests can determine which nutrients you may be deficient in and help your doctor set up a nutrition plan. A complete blood count can identify infections based on white blood cell populations. It can also provide a measure of your body's ability to produce red blood cells. Nutrients that support red blood cell formation include the B-complex vitamins. A blood test called a prothrombin time, or PT, can identify a vitamin K deficiency. A lack of this nutrient results in slower clotting times due to a lack of clotting factors requiring vitamin K.

Special Considerations

Some causes of malabsorption require different nutritional plans. If your doctor identified lactose intolerance as the primary cause, she may suggest alternative sources of calcium such as milk substitutes, spinach or kale to meet your body's nutrient requirements. In some cases, your doctor may suggest dietary supplements. If you have celiac disease, however, you must screen any supplements you take for gluten-containing ingredients. Gluten is a permitted additive in these products. Ingesting any gluten could impair your treatment for malabsorption.

Follow-Up

Your doctor will likely continue with follow-up monitoring to watch your condition. It will take time for your body to build up nutrient reserves and recover from the effects of deficiencies. Follow-up may include blood work and additional monitoring of the underlying cause of your malabsorption. This is essential to prevent a re-occurrence of your symptoms. By managing your dietary intake, your body will recover from this condition and restore your quality of life.