Malabsorption

Question: Can you have malabsorption without weight loss? My doctor thinks that I am suffering from some sort of malabsorption problem, as in food is moving through my system too quickly. I haven't lost any weight though. Sorry for the TMI but the malabsorption makes sense when you consider my bowel movements, but the absense of weight loss is kind of perplexing to me. Does this ever happen?

Answer: Look up Habba Syndrome. I went thru a years worth of severe diarrhea, dizziness, folic acid deficiency, and about every test known to man. Habba fits my symptoms, and it sounds like it does yours too. It's not a wide spread diagnosis, so your dr might not be aware of it.... it's new to the medical community. Take the info to your dr on it, and see what they say.

Question: Can anyone tell me about digestive malabsorption disorders? My primary care doctor has referred me to a gastroenterologist for evaluation for a possible malabsorption problem. My only symptoms are unexplained weight loss of a little over 10% of my body weight over the past 6 months and somewhat frequent bowel movements (not diarrhea, just 'going' 3-4X/day, almost always in the morning). My appetite, diet and activity level remain unchanged and I feel fine. I'm too skinny as it is and very worried about losing any more weight. For the record, I'm a 43-year-old female in otherwise good health; I do have a family history of pancreatic, prostate and colon cancer. Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms? If so, what was your diagnosis? I appreciate any insights.

Answer: Sounds like Celiac Disease!You have all the symptoms and the family history is very telling. Be sure to ask the GI for the blood test series to test for CD. If it is CD, count your blessings! What other disease can be treated by only the gluten free diet!! No pills, no surgeries, nothing! Just don't eat gluten!! Its amazing!! I had all those symptoms as you and the family history was the same!! I had the consitpation, bloating, (diarrhea or frequent Bm's is another symptom of CD, its different for everyone). dental problems, infertility, stomach pain, bleeding, hair loss, weight loss then gain, acne, sinus problems, ovarian cysts. ALL attributed to Celiac Disease!! here's more info below from www.csaceliacs.org Best of luck! Amy Chairperson Louisiana North Shore Celiac Sprue Association What are the symptoms of Celiac Disease? The symptoms of celiac disease (CD) vary so widely among patients that there is no such thing as a "typical celiac." The amount of intestinal damage that has occurred and the length of time nutrient absorption has been abnormal seem to be the factors that determine the type and severity of symptoms experienced. It is interesting to note that some people with CD report no symptoms at all. "Celiac disease is one of the great mimics in gastroenterology in particular and medicine in general. Of 100 patients with CD, just over 10 percent present with classical overt symptoms of malabsorption such as weight loss, diarrhea and nutritional deficiencies. About 10 percent are incorrectly diagnosed for some length of time, in some cases years. Forty percent present in an atypical manner, which leads to lengthy delay in diagnosis. About 33 percent of patients have clinically silent disease and 7 percent have latent CD (no symptoms or small bowel lesion but will develop CD later, or had disease at an early age and resolved)." C. Robert Dahl, MD, "Celiac Disease: The Great Mimic Presentation," CSA Annual Conference, September 2000, Return to top A. The Patient's Physical State What are the symptoms? How long have they been present? How often do they occur? * Abdominal cramping/bloating * Feet (Reduced fat padding) * Abdominal distention * Flatus (Passing gas) * Acidosis * Gluten ataxia * Appetite (Increased to the point of craving) * Mouth sores or cracks in the corners * Back pain (Such as a result of collapsed lumbar vertebrae) * Muscle cramping (Especially in the hands and legs) * Constipation * Night blindness * Decreased ability to clot blood * Skin (Very dry) * Dehydration * Stools (Loose? Hard? Small? Large? Foul smelling? Floating? Clay, Light tan or Gray-colored? Highly rancid? Frothy?) * Diarrhea (See Stools below) * Tongue (Smooth or geographic - looks like different continents) * Edema * Tooth enamel defects * Electrolyte depletion * Weakness * Energy loss * Weight loss * Fatigue Return to top B. The Patient's Emotional State What is the patient's emotional state? Is it consistent throughout the day? When and for how long do the symptoms occur? * Depression * Disinterested in normal activities * Irritable * Mood changes * Unable to concentrate Return to top C. Additional Conditions What else is involved? Other diseases? Other organs? * Amenorrhea * Iron-deficiency anemia * Bone disease * Hyperparathyroidism How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed? When working with a physician to diagnose and/or confirm celiac disease (CD), three major steps are taken. First, a thorough physical examination is conducted, including a series of blood tests, sometimes referred to as the Celiac Blood Panel. Second, a duodenal biopsy is performed with multiple samples from multiple locations in the small intestine. And third, the gluten-free diet is implemented. When the patient shows a positive response to the diet - symptoms subside and the small intestine returns to its normal, healthy state - the diagnosis of CD is confirmed. (NOTE: To ensure the most accurate and timely diagnosis, the gluten-free diet should be implemented only after the first two steps have been completed.) 1: Examination Patient History When reviewing a patient's medical history and symptoms with a physician, the following areas should be considered in the discussion: (The first three are applicable to adults and children. The last is specific to children.) * What are the symptoms? How long have they been present? How often do they occur? * What is the patient's emotional state? Is it consistent throughout the day? When and for how long do the symptoms occur? * What else is involved? Other diseases? Other organs? * How is the child developing? See What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease? for a thorough list of possible symptoms. Physical Examination Depending on the presentation of symptoms, the physician will check for some of the following items: * emaciation * pallor (due to anemia) * hypotension (low blood pressure) * edema (due to low levels of protein, [albumin] in the blood) * dermatitis herpetiformis (skin lesions) * easy bruising (lack of vitamin K) * bone or skin and mucosa membrane changes due to vitamin deficiencies * protruding or distended abdomen (intestine dysmotility) * loss of various sensations in extremities including vibration, position and light touch (vitamin deficiency) * signs of severe vitamin/mineral deficiencies which may include: * -diminished deep tendon reflexes * muscle spasms (magnesium and/or calcium deficiency) * bone tenderness and bone pain (due to osteomalacia) Blood Tests A number of tests, sometimes collectively referred to as the Celiac Blood Panel, will aid the physician in diagnosis. The tests may include, but are not limited to: * Serologic Tests 1. EMA (Immunoglobulin A anti-endomysium antibodies) 2. AGA (IgA anti-gliadin antibodies) 3. AGG (IgG anti-gliadin antibodies) 4. tTGA (IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase) * Tolerance or Measure of Digestion/Absorption Tests 1. Lactose tolerance test. 2. D-Xylose test. Return to top 2: Biopsy In the event that clinical signs and laboratory tests indicate probable malabsorption, a biopsy of the small intestine [jejunal] is called for. In this test, a small flexible biopsy instrument is passed through a tube, down the throat, through the stomach and into the upper end of the small intestine where patchy, multiple snippets of tissue are gathered. The tube is removed and the tissue samples are examined under a microscope for signs of injury. CD DiagnosisThe difference between tissue in a normal small intestine and that found in a celiac patient is remarkable. The normal finger-like projections (villi), which increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine, are partially or totally flattened in a person with celiac disease. Enzymes located on the brush border are also drastically reduced. Lactase, the enzyme responsible for splitting milk sugar (lactose) so it can be absorbed, is an example of one of these brush border enzymes. This decrease in lactase explains why some untreated celiac patients may not be able to tolerate milk products and will have developed lactose intolerance. Elevated numbers of T-cell lymphocytes (white blood cells) are also present. The small bowel biopsy samples of persons with dermatitis herpetiformis often show similar damage. To view a color-coded illustration of a single villus, visit MEDLINEplus. NOTE: At this time there is no standardization in either serological testing or intestinal biopsies. To view a chart showing typical test results for someone with celiac disease Click Here Return to top 3: Diet The diagnosis of celiac disease is complete when the health of the patient improves following implementation of the gluten-free (GF) diet. When gluten is removed from the diet, most of the damage that was done to the small intestine (the jejunum) is repaired. It takes only three to six days for the intestinal lining (the mucosa) to show improvement. Within three to six months, most symptoms subside as the mucosa returns to its normal (or nearly normal) state. For an explanation of the gluten-free diet, see: * How is Celiac Disease Treated? * Gluten-Free Diet: Basic Diet Choices * Gluten-Free Diet: Grains and Flours If, after six months on the GF diet, symptoms still persist, the following need to be considered: * Has gluten been removed from every area of your diet and life? (See How is Celiac Disease Treated? for information on where gluten can "hide" in food and other products.) * Do unrelated conditions exist that are causing the continued discomfort? (See How is Celiac Disease Treated? for information on additional conditions that may be present.) The GF diet is a risk-free diet! Gluten, as a protein, is not essential to the diet and its amino acid components are replaced many times over by other foods. Adopting the GF diet can only result in improved health and well-being. The medical information on this page was last reviewed/updated on January 1, 2004.

Question: Can lactose intolerance cause malabsorption in other vitamins and nutrients? I am consistently low in iron no matter how many supplements I take, or how many beans I eat. What is the deal?

Answer: EDIT -- if you are substituting soy or soy milk for proteins and/or dairy, be aware that soy products are iron inhibitors. This may be part of your problem... Absolutely yes -- lactose intolerance can cause other digestive issues, as well, especially during an episode when your digestive tract is overactive and therefore NOT absorbing nutrients normally. PS - be aware that there is a difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance. Blessings!

Question: Is this normal in terms of health and not a sign of malabsorption? When I make a bowel movement, the color ranges for me usually from dark brown, to brown to sometimes very light brown almost yellowish. There is no real consistency in the color. Is this considered normal to have these varied colors from day to day?

Answer: This is most likely normal. Whatever you eat will affect the colour and consistency of your stool. If; however, you have a radical change (for example, black, tarry stools) get to a doctor. The only way to know if you have any kind of malabsorption is to see your doctor. Make sure you have a full family history available. For example, I am of Danish extraction and Danes have high incidence of pernicious anemia due to vitamin B12 malabsorption (as do many northern Europeans).

Question: Do you have to avoid wheat AND gluten if you have fructose malabsorption? I have found some wheat free cereal and bread but does anybody know of any wheat free substitues for every day foods such as pasta and noodles? Cutting out wheat rules out a lot of foods that I enjoy.

Answer: Hmm... I'm not sure about that. If you go to http://www.glutenfreeforum.com there are over 12 thousand registered users there. So many of us have other food intolerances that I'm sure someone will be able to give you advice on if fructose malabsorption and gluten intolerance are related or if taking gluten out of your diet will help with the fructose malabsorption. Nancy

Question: what is happening at the molecular level to cause glucose galactose malabsorption? if anybody knows this, it would help me out a lot. its for a biology of disease report. thanks!

Answer: Chaos and confusion, and the Lord is not the author of confusion.

Question: What is the best available homeopathic medicine for colitis or malabsorption syndome? I observed mucus in stools a year back and i did eat meat, milk, and which i stopped then. The problem subsided but again after 3 months i started getting mucus in stool, which till date has not stopped. I use to exercise before, for building abdomen muscles can it be possible that the intestine are injured. and lift weights withour wearing belt. I have taken a course in alternative medicin

Answer: See Prescription For Natural Cures by Balch and Stengler for an excellent discussion of homeopathic (and many other natural) options. A true homeopath will carefully evaluate you and medicate you based on your symptoms. See also: Let's Get Well by Adelle Davis, and Digestive Wellness by Elizabeth Lipski for expert and useful advice on how to evaluate and deal with this unfortunate disorder. Good luck. May you promptly find a cure and enjoy a complete recovery.

Question: Does Barium meal cause radiation enteritis which might result in malabsorption? I went thru Barium meal about 4 hours, doctors occasionally checking x-rays or images of the bowel. After 10 days or so, I started seeing undigested food in my stools. Could it be because my GI tract exposed to radiation during Barium meal

Answer: The radiation did not cause that. Call your doctor.

Question: What should i do to curb malabsorption syndrome problem?

Answer: Here are some ideas that will help: Eat a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and low in fats. Include in the diet well-cooked brown rice, millet, oatmeal, and steamed vegetables. Aloe vera and peppermint aid digestion. Alfalfa, dandelion root, fennel seed, ginger, and nettle are rich in minerals and can aid the body in absorbing nutrients. Consume fresh papaya and pineapple often. Chew four to six papaya seeds after meals. Black pepper contains piperine, which aids in the di­gestion and absorption of nutrients. Do not eat large meals, as this places too much stress on the digestive system. Instead, eat smaller portions of food throughout the day. Do not eat meat or meat products. Meats are difficult to digest and are acid-forming. Do not consume wheat products until healing is complete. Avoid using mineral oil or other laxatives. Especially avoid using them for extended periods, as dependence and damage to the colon may result.

Question: Is it safe to "cure" obesity with Bariatric Surgery's malabsorption? The inventor of RNY gastric bypass, Edward E. Mason was not so sure about the long term risks of this type of surgery. It's a 8 billion dollar industry with little long term follow up. Well, since most people are desperate they prey on the mostly obese women....

Answer: The RNY surgery has saved the lives of 2 of my friends plus my husband. All are doing well today thanks to this surgery. Both friends have had theirs about 5 years and my husband just recently had his done. Having all the extra weight was way worse than having the surgery. It was worth every penny it cost. My friends medical costs are near nothing now since they no longer have bad backs, bad knees, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. not to mention not being able to work or hold down a job. Now my friend works, is off disability, pays taxes, plus rarely sees a doctor except for routine medical check ups. The state and federal aid programs should get down on their hands and knees to thank the doctor for doing it because it will save both the state and federal govt. tons of money in the long run.

Question: How would you explain to a patient with malabsorption? How would you explain to a patient with malabsorption due to gluten sensitivity the importance of avoiding wheat and rye flour in the diet?

Answer: In simple terms...If gluten is making you sick, then you will not recover unless you go a on a gluten free diet. The sooner you go gluten free, the sooner you will get well. If you continue to eat gluten then you might get progressively more sick. Most foods are naturally gluten–free. You can eat: * All unprocessed Fruits. * All unprocessed Vegetables. * All unprocessed meats, fish, poultry. * All unprocessed Gluten-free cereals. The importance of the description “unprocessed� is that during processing, manufacturers might add gluten-containing substances for a number of food technology reasons. Unfortunately, gluten turns out to be a useful substance in manufacturing. Also, you might want to explain that "hidden gluten" is sources of gluten that you might not think about. Some people are so sensitive to gluten that even tiny amounts can upset them. Sources of possible hidden gluten include: * Food additives * Cross contamination * Skin care * Shampoo and hair conditioners * Play dough

Question: How to treat a malabsorption syndrome?

Answer: You have to treat the underlying disease. You can help counter the effects of malabsorption by increasing calories and adding vitamin and mineral supplements. But you shouldn't just grab some bottles at Wal-Mart. Your physician can order a nutritional and metabolic lab workup, then refer you to a dietician who can help you increase your input to counter the nutrients you're losing through your gut. (My son has malabsorption and takes in more than 4,000 calories a day -- in an attempt to keep his weight at around 80 lbs. He's 5-ft.)

Question: i need information about the genetics in glucose galactose malabsorption? like mutated genes and chromosomes and stuff like that.

Answer: Take a look here: http://diabetes.webmd.com/default.htm

Question: Which anemia is considered to result from a malabsorption problem? a. aplastic anemia b. sickle cell anemia c. thalassemia major d. pernicious anemia

Answer: The answer is D... Synonyms and related keywords: blood disorder, megaloblastosis, cobalamin deficiency, vitamin B-12 deficiency, folate deficiency, pernicious anemia, PA, cobalamin neuropathy, ineffective erythropoiesis, food-cobalamin malabsorption, gastrectomy, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, ZES, ileal resection, regional ileitis, intestinal lymphoma, Diphyllobothrium latum, D latum, fish tapeworm, blind loop syndrome, nitrous oxide exposure, NO exposure, surgical intestinal resection, amyloidosis, Whipple disease, scleroderma, psoriasis, exfoliative dermatitis, pregnancy, neural tube defects, drug reactions, chemotherapy, neurological impairment

Question: can severe digestive problems malabsorption lead to weight gain despite low calorie intake? I am suffering from severe digestive probs and iam gaining weight so much now that im in the obese range.For 3 yrs now my food tolerance level has gone to only rice cakes,rice,broccoli and chicken.doctors have no clue,prescribe drugs,and tell dont know why im gaining weight,they told me if i had malbsorption i should loose not gain HELP!!!!!!!

Answer: Sounds like your doctors need to focus on something else. It could be a gland problem. If you're having digestive and "bathroom" problems, it could be IBS coupled with something else.

Question: Other than celiac disease, causes for malabsorption with sm intestine short transit time?

Answer: Try