🍽️ Malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is malabsorption?

🍽️ Malabsorption means your body cannot absorb nutrients from food very well.
Even if you eat enough, your body may not get what it needs.

❓ Why are nutrients important?

🥗 Nutrients help your body:

• 💪 Build muscles

• 🦴 Keep bones strong

• ⚡ Give you energy

• 🧠 Help your brain work well

❓ What are common symptoms?

You may notice:

• 💩 Diarrhea or loose stools

• 🛢️ Greasy or foul-smelling stools

• 🤕 Belly pain or bloating

• ⚖️ Weight loss

• 😴 Feeling tired or weak

❓ What causes malabsorption?

Common causes include:

• 🌾 Celiac disease

• 🧠 Problems with digestion enzymes (like pancreas issues)

• 🦠 Gut infections

• ✂️ Short bowel after surgery

• 🌀 Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease)

❓ How is malabsorption diagnosed?

🩺 Doctors may use:

• 🧪 Blood tests to check vitamins

• 💩 Stool tests

• 📸 Imaging or endoscopy

• 💬 Review of symptoms and diet

❓ How is malabsorption treated?

Treatment depends on the cause:

✅ Diet changes:

• 🚫 Avoid foods that cause problems

• 🥗 Special diets (like gluten-free)

✅ Supplements:

• 💊 Vitamins and minerals

✅ Medicines:

• 💉 Enzymes or other medications

❓ What foods can help?

Helpful foods may include:

• 🍌 Easy-to-digest foods

• 🥚 Protein-rich foods

• 🥣 Small, frequent meals

👉 A dietitian can help make a food plan.

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you have:

• Ongoing diarrhea

• Weight loss

• Fatigue that doesn’t improve

• Belly pain or bloating

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Malabsorption can be treated
✅ Finding the cause is important
⚠️ Early care helps prevent vitamin and weight problems