Thesmall intestineis part of the digestive system.
It develops after an injury or disease impacts the health of the intestines.
Higher than normal amounts of fat in stool often occur in people with malabsorption.
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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.
However, blood work alone cant diagnose or rule out malabsorption syndrome.
Nutrient deficiencies have multiple possible causes.
So, even if a test comes back low, it doesnt necessarily mean you have malabsorption syndrome.
These tests are used to diagnose conditions likelactose intoleranceandSIBO.
Theyre used to look for thickening of the intestinal wall and other abnormalities.
A biopsy of the small intestine is often done during an endoscopy.
Treatment
Treatment for malabsorption syndrome depends on the cause.
Your provider may start by treating any side effects of the malabsorption, like dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
They may begin by replacing fluids and nutrients intravenously (IV).
After replacing some nutrients and fluids, your healthcare provider will look to treat and manage the cause.
For example, if you have celiac disease, youll need to avoid gluten.
For lactose intolerance, youll need to avoid most dairy foods.
It can be resulting from food allergies, food intolerances, infections, and digestive diseases.
It can be diagnosed with stool tests, blood work, breath tests, imaging, or a biopsy.
Treatment may include diet changes and supplements.
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.
The most common symptoms of malabsorption syndrome include frequent diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and Crohns disease can cause malabsorption syndrome.
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