Malabsorption means impaired absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. Learn how to diagnose this condition.

Malabsorption can result from defects in the intestinal walls or impaired digestion of food within the intestinal lumen. The net outcome of malabsorbtion is weight loss, deficiency states, deranged physiology such as menstrual irregularities and failure to thrive. Follow these steps to know if you have malabsorbtion syndrome.

Step 1

Notice if you are passing pale and voluminous stool. Diarrhea without flatulence, fatty stools (steatorrhea), acidic stool (from laboratory PH), milk intolerance may be seen as well.

Step 2

Check if you have lost weight despite having a normal appetite.

Step 3

Look for edema (swelling of body) with or without muscle atrophy, haematoma due to bleeding disorders. This may be seen at later stages.

Step 4

Watch for presence of neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling and balance problems.

Step 5

Look for night blindness. This is due to vitamin deficiency.

Step 6

Watch out for fractures. Patients often have fragile bones due to vitamin and calcium deficiency.

Step 7

See if you have inflammation of the tongue, mouth and lips (typically at the corners).

Step 8

Work with your doctor to order the following labs:

1. Blood counts
2. Blood electrolytes
3. Kidney and liver functions
4. Stool fat
5. Protein levels in blood (which are low)
6. Hydrogen in breath
7. Macrocytic anemia
8. Vitamin B12 levels
9. Serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels
10. Serum iron and ferritin levels
11. Serum calcium levels
12. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels
13. Bone scan
14. Serum carotene levels
15. Prothrombin time