Malabsorption of carbohydrates presents a potentially serious complication for a child with short bowel syndrome. Her condition has already left her vulnerable to a host of other conditions because of her body's inability to absorb nutrients properly. A diet to alleviate this problem depends upon the severity of the condition. In some cases, a special diet is not feasible. The course of treatment will vary based on how well your child's body can absorb carbohydrates and other nutrients.
What Is Short Bowel Syndrome?
As the name implies, this disorder is a condition in which half or more of the small intestine is missing. In a toddler, it may be a birth defect or a consequence of surgery in which part of the bowel is removed because of another intestinal disorder. Malabsorption can occur because the small intestine is the primary source of nutrient absorption. This can be especially critical in the case of a young child.
Meeting Nutritional Needs
The diet and treatment for short bowel syndrome with carbohydrate malabsorption depends upon the severity of the condition. In mild cases, your doctor may recommend a dietary switch to small, frequent meals that are nutrient dense. She may also prescribe nutritional supplements to make up for what is not being absorbed properly by the small intestine. Malabsorption of carbohydrates can explain the fatigue and weight loss a toddler may experience. Carbohydrates are one of your body's primary sources of energy, so meeting your toddler's energy needs will be essential.
More Serious Cases
In more serious cases, treatment involves medical intervention. Your doctor may recommend bypassing the intestine and using parenteral nutrition or intravenous feeding. This method delivers nutrients such as carbohydrates directly into the bloodstream. In other cases, your doctor may opt to use tube feeding directly into the stomach or small intestine. A regular diet focusing on nutrient-dense foods in addition to medical intervention can help your child's body function better and prevent complications.
Nutritional Supplements
However it is administered, your toddler's nutrition support therapy will include a concentrated mixture of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Parenteral nutrition or tube feeding can alleviate the complications associated with carbohydrate malabsorption by ensuring nutrients' delivery into your child's body in a form that she can use. If your toddler is anemic, your doctor may recommend an iron-rich diet that includes iron-fortified foods such as breakfast cereals. Children ages 1 to 4 four are especially vulnerable because they are growing so rapidly.
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