Malabsorption in the gut is defined as the body's inability to properly absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from food. Even though your diet may be balanced and adequate, and despite the fact that you may be taking the best vitamin supplements on the market, if you are suffering from malabsorption, you may develop various nutritional deficiencies.

The most obvious sign of malabsorption is bowel/digestive dysfunction. This could be a wide scope of complaints from constipation, diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort and/or pain, mucus in the stool, or pale bulky stools. Less obvious signs of malabsorption may include fatigue, anemia, failure to grow, thinning hair, dry skin, depression, muscle cramps or weakness, edema, PMS, vision problems, or weight loss. Weight gain is not uncommon because if the body is not absorbing vital nutrients, the body may crave more food in an attempt to make up for that lack. Often, a person suffering from malabsorption will have a carbohydrate craving that seems insatiable.

Digestion basically begins in the mouth with the chewing process and the mixing of saliva. From there the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, all play a part with the intestines in the process of breaking down food so that the vital nutrients can be absorbed. Theoretically, dysfunction along any part of the digestive tract could cause malabsorption; such as a blocked duct from the pancreas or gall bladder. This would result in a lack of bile or digestive enzymes that help digest fats.

Malabsorption can also be caused from excessive laxative use, excessive alcohol, over the counter medications such as antacids, radiation therapy, or overuse of prescription medications such as antibiotics or other drugs, and severe illness. Also, food intolerances or allergies can cause bowel dysfunction and damage to the intestinal walls. Other influences such as parasites or the presence of unfriendly bacteria can prevent proper absorption of vital nutrients by crowding out the good bacteria, or damaging the walls of the intestines. Also, stress can be a major cause to malabsorption, as body chemistry is compromised when the system is under huge emotional/mental strain.

Malabsorption is a serious condition in itself, which can lead to other problems and diseases. If there is a deficiency in even one vital nutrient, the body is left with a deficit and cannot function properly. For example, minerals are large molecules and are not as easily absorbed as other nutrients. So, if there is poor absorption or supply of calcium, the body may suffer from bone loss, muscle cramps and tremors. Malabsorption is also a condition, if it goes unchecked, that can be self-perpetuating. For instance, many nutrients need the presence of others to be absorbed-it is vital that B vitamins are present for the absorption of amino acids.

At the very final and primary stage of digestion, nutrients are transported across the intestinal wall (or mucosa) and absorbed into the blood stream. This process is microscopic and occurs at the sight of the villi, which are finger-like projections that comprise the lining of the intestines. At this, the cellular level is where individual cells on the villi "collect" the proper nutrients after they have been prepared in the earlier stages of digestion by the body. The inability of nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream at the cellular level of the villi is truest description of malabsorption.

Because of all the factors that can cause malabsorption, uncovering the cause of that dysfunction entails a broad scope of investigation. After taking into consideration the history of the patient in regards to medication, stress levels, etc. other factors must be examined as well. Diet is a primary aspect to consider as many people have allergies or intolerances to various foods, which can actually damage villi to such a degree that they cannot function. Another is to rule out the presence of parasites or bacterial imbalances.

When someone comes to me for help with their digestive complaints, I may require of them to supply medical records of any previous tests that were done, a list of present and past medications, and provide a detailed history of any problems they have had in the past . . . and what therapies or diets seemed to help alleviate their discomfort. Most likely, I will request a three week food diary as well. I also have them add to their food diary a history of the digestive function, mood, etc. for each day, as well as time and description of bowel movements, and a description of any other digestive problem that may have occurred. After compiling information I've gathered at the first session, I will determine if the diet needs to be altered, or if I need to do some lab testing to investigate any number of things from allergic responses, immune response, presence of parasites, extent of gut damage, liver function, and toxicity levels to name a few.

After gathering such valuable information, a complete and proper protocol can be arrived at. Malabsorption issues can then be addressed in a logical, wholistic manner that considers the most primary causes and addresses the deepest level of compromise.