From the Guidelines
Malabsorption symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies that may cause anemia, bone pain, easy bruising, or neurological symptoms, and treatment depends on the underlying cause but typically involves addressing the primary condition while managing nutritional deficiencies. The symptoms of malabsorption can vary depending on the underlying cause, but common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Nutrient deficiencies, such as anemia, bone pain, easy bruising, or neurological symptoms Treatment options for malabsorption include:
- A gluten-free diet for celiac disease
- Pancreatic enzyme supplements, such as Creon 12,000-24,000 units with meals, for pancreatic insufficiency 1
- Antibiotics, such as rifaximin 550 mg three times daily for 7-14 days, for bacterial overgrowth
- Anti-inflammatory medications for inflammatory bowel disease
- Nutritional support, including fat-soluble vitamin supplements (A, D, E, K), B12 injections (1000 mcg monthly), iron supplements for anemia, and calcium/vitamin D for bone health 1 Regular monitoring of nutritional status through blood tests is essential to adjust supplementation as needed, and in severe cases, a low-fat diet may help reduce symptoms while specialized formulas or parenteral nutrition might be necessary for profound malabsorption. It is also important to note that the treatment approach works by either correcting the mechanism preventing proper nutrient absorption or bypassing it through direct supplementation of deficient nutrients. In addition, monitoring and administering fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, as well as minerals such as magnesium, iron, selenium, and zinc, is crucial for patients with known malabsorption 1. Overall, the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life for patients with malabsorption.
From the FDA Drug Label
Contact your healthcare provider if you continue to have signs and symptoms of malabsorption (not absorbing nutrients from food) such as abdominal pain, abdominal distention, bloating, fatty stools, or weight loss. The symptoms of malabsorption include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal distention
- Bloating
- Fatty stools
- Weight loss Treatment options for malabsorption may involve taking pancreatic enzyme products like CREON, as prescribed by a healthcare provider 2. Additionally, treating the underlying disease or condition causing malabsorption, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, may be necessary 3.
From the Research
Symptoms of Malabsorption
- Diarrhea, steatorrhea, weight loss, flatulence, and postprandial abdominal pain are classic symptoms of malabsorption syndromes 4
- Nongastrointestinal manifestations can include elevated levels of liver function markers, anemia, skin conditions, infertility, and bone disease 4
- Other signs of malabsorption include tetany, ecchymosis, anorexia, bone pain, pallor, muscle wasting, hyperpigmentation, apathy, digital clubbing, and abdominal distention 5
- Disinterest in regular daily activities, passage of soft stools, and difficulties in flushing bulky stools may also be present 5
Treatment Options for Malabsorption
- Dietary modification is a key component of therapy for patients with malabsorption syndromes 4
- A lactose-restricted diet and use of dairy substitutes are recommended for lactose intolerance 4
- A gluten-free diet is the primary intervention for celiac disease 4
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and replacement of fat-soluble vitamins are the primary therapies for management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency 4
Causes of Malabsorption
- Inherited disorders, such as intrinsic factor deficiency and Imerslund-Gräsbeck disease, can cause malabsorption 6
- Digestive diseases, such as celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and bacterial overgrowth, can also lead to malabsorption 6
- Other causes of malabsorption include obesity, bariatric surgery, gastrectomies, and chronic radiation enteritis of the distal ileum 6
Diagnosis of Malabsorption
- Screening for anemia and testing for lactose intolerance, such as the hydrogen breath test, can aid in diagnosis 4
- Serologic testing, histologic findings on duodenal biopsy, or both are used to diagnose celiac disease 4
- The Schilling test can assess vitamin B12 absorption, but its use is limited due to the lack of a reliable alternative test 6, 7