Malabsorption is caused by inflammation along the digestive tract, which can then lead to a number of digestive symptoms. If the inflammation becomes severe enough, the cells that separate the intestines from the rest of the body can become damaged and break down. Bacteria, foodstuffs, and other substances can then use these gaps to flow into the rest of the body.
The medical community also uses the term intestinal permeability to refer to malabsorption.
Who Can Have Malabsorption
Unfortunately, everyone and anyone can be susceptible to malabsorption. With over 4,000 square feet of digestive tract lining in our bodies, it would only make sense that some spots are weaker than others. While there is a genetic factor, there is also evidence that our dietary choices, heavy alcohol intake, and stress can also help cause malabsorption.
What Malabsorption Does
Malabsorption allows for the passage of bacteria, bacteria fragments, and chemicals from the digestive tract to pass into the bloodstream. This triggers a response from the immune system, which acts to remove these intruding compounds. However, this response creates more inflammation in the digestive tract, weakening the lining of the digestive tract even further.
Symptoms of Malabsorption
Altered bowel movements are common with malabsorption due to inflammation in the digestive tract. Our bodies will use constipation, bloating, gas, and diarrhea to tell us something is wrong.
Diagnosis
Scientists consider the Lactulose and Mannitol test the “golden standard” for malabsorption testing, such as the one offered by Genova. A great alternative is the Zonulin test. Companies such as Doctor’s Data and Genova offer this test. Researchers have equated an abnormal (or positive) result on the Lactulose and Mannitol test with a high level of Zonulin Family Protein (ZFP).
Research has shown high levels of ZFP are associated with metabolic, inflammatory, and autoimmune issues. Patients with a high risk of Crohn’s disease have a high ZFP level as well.
Stool sample tests analyze the fat content of the stool and search for any vitamin deficiencies.
DDX
Malabsorption, also known as leaky gut or intestinal permeability, can be the result of multiple different issues. Dysbiosis, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Celiac Disease (CeD), lactose intolerance, parasites, and many more can cause absorption issues in the gut.
Allopathic Treatment
Doctors can recommend different medications based on your malabsorption symptoms. Options include focusing on hydration management, vitamin deficiency management, and replacing enzymes such as lactase.
Natural Treatment
The goals of natural treatment are to restore the lining of the digestive tract, reduce the immune system response, and balance the bacteria in the microbiome. We can achieve this by increasing our intake of Vitamin D, water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin B family), and minerals such as iron and calcium. Taking glutamine, butyrate acid, and zinc can also help reduce gut permeability.
Potential Complications
The inflammation and autoimmune response created by malabsorption open the door for other conditions to potentially develop. The constant circle of particles passing through the digestive lining triggering an autoimmune response, which creates more inflammation, which lets more particles pass through the digestive lining, is a dangerous one. People who have been diagnosed with malabsorption are more susceptible to developing other diseases such as Crohn’s Disease and Type 1 Diabetes.
Related Bacteria
Collinsella aerofaciens are natural bacteria found in the digestive system. Research has shown that bacteria increases both inflammation and gut permeability. C. aerofaciens interacts directly with ZO-1, a protein responsible for tightening junctions in the gut, and prevents it from functioning properly. (Taneja) Collinsella tears apart the tight junctions between cells, allowing for particles to pass in-between.
Additional Reading
For additional reading, please click here for an article from healthline.com
Citations
An Expansion Of Rare Lineage Intestinal Microbes Characterizes Rheumatoid Arthritis Jun Chen-Kerry Wright-John Davis-Patricio Jeraldo-Eric Marietta-Joseph Murray-Heidi Nelson-Eric Matteson-Veena Taneja – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27102666
