Malabsorption in children causes symptoms and treatment

Malabsorption in children is a health issue that can worry any parent, as it directly affects a child’s growth and overall health. This condition occurs when a child’s body cannot properly absorb essential nutrients from food, leading to symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, and poor growth. In this Dalily Medical article, we’ll cover the types of malabsorption in children, its causes, symptoms, and the best treatment methods, including medications, nutrition, and natural herbs. You’ll find all the information presented in a simple and clear way to help you understand your child’s condition and take action quickly and safely.

❓ What is malabsorption in children?
Malabsorption is when a child’s body has difficulty absorbing essential nutrients from food, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. This affects the child’s growth and overall health.

❓ Is malabsorption dangerous for children?
If not treated early, it can lead to severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies, growth problems, weak bones, anemia, and other health complications.

❓ Can malabsorption improve over time?
If the cause is simple and treated promptly, the condition can improve quickly. However, if it’s due to a chronic illness, the child will need ongoing monitoring by a doctor to ensure normal and healthy growth.

❓ Can malabsorption be hereditary?
Yes, in some cases it is caused by genetic issues or enzyme deficiencies in the digestive system.

❓ Do children with malabsorption need dietary supplements?
Often, yes. This may include vitamins like A, D, E, K, and minerals such as iron and calcium, according to the doctor’s recommendation.

❓ Is malabsorption related to food allergies?
It can be, as children with milk or gluten allergies often struggle to absorb essential nutrients.

❓ Does malabsorption cause growth delay or low weight?
Definitely, because the child cannot benefit from essential nutrients for proper body and brain growth, which can result in low weight or delayed growth.

❓ Are there natural remedies or herbs that help?
Some herbs can soothe the digestive system and improve digestion, such as mint or ginger. But it’s very important to use them under medical supervision, and they do not replace medical treatment.

❓ Do dietary changes help?
Yes, following an easily digestible diet and dividing meals into small portions helps the intestines absorb nutrients better and reduces symptoms.

❓ Can malabsorption cause long-term problems?
If diagnosis or treatment is delayed, it can lead to anemia, bone weakness, learning or growth problems, and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

Stages of Malabsorption in Children

Malabsorption develops gradually in children and varies depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Understanding these stages helps parents monitor their child and start treatment on time.

???? Stage 1: Early and Mild Symptoms

At first, symptoms may be mild and unclear, such as:

Slight loss of appetite
Changes in stool (soft or slightly diarrheic)
Mild bloating
General weakness or fatigue without a clear reason
Slow or no weight gain

⚠️ These symptoms may resemble other digestive issues, so parents need to be alert.

Stage 2: Nutritional Deterioration

If the child is not treated in the first stage, symptoms worsen and the body begins to be affected, including:

Noticeable weight loss
Delayed growth in height and weight
Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc
Hair loss and dry skin
Dark circles under the eyes
Weak immunity and frequent infections

Stage 3: Serious Health Complications

In severe or neglected cases, malabsorption can lead to:

Severe anemia
Bone problems such as osteoporosis or soft bones
Cognitive delays or concentration and mental development issues
Swelling in legs or face due to protein deficiency
Severe dehydration and fluid loss
General weakness and inability to play or move

Causes of Malabsorption in Children

Malabsorption occurs when a child’s body cannot absorb essential nutrients like vitamins, proteins, and fats, which can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, or delayed growth. The main causes include:

1. Gastrointestinal Diseases

Celiac disease: Allergy to gluten found in wheat and barley.
Chronic intestinal inflammation: Such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Short bowel syndrome: Often after surgical removal of a large part of the intestine.

2. Digestive Enzyme Deficiencies

Lactase deficiency: Difficulty digesting lactose (milk sugar).
Pancreatic enzyme problems: Affect the digestion of fats and proteins.

3. Infections and Parasites

Infections like Giardia or intestinal worms reduce the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients.

4. Liver or Pancreatic Problems

Any dysfunction affects fat digestion and absorption of essential vitamins.

5. Food Allergies

Allergies to cow’s milk protein or certain foods can cause malabsorption.

6. Chronic Malnutrition or Weak Immunity

The intestines may not function efficiently due to lack of essential nutrients or immune weakness.

✅ Symptoms of Malabsorption in Children
Malabsorption in children can show through various symptoms. Parents should pay close attention to any unusual signs in their child’s health and growth:

Low weight or poor growth
The child does not gain weight or grow in height normally, even if they eat enough.
Chronic or frequent diarrhea
Stool may be soft or watery, sometimes with a strong odor or abnormal color.
Bloating and gas
The belly may be constantly swollen, and the child might complain of cramps or gas.
Loss of appetite or food refusal
The child may be uninterested in eating, which affects their nutrition.
Fatigue and lethargy
The child is often tired and unable to play or be active like other children.
Pale skin or anemia
This can occur due to poor absorption of iron or essential vitamins like B12 and folic acid.
Skin rashes or mouth sores
Especially if there is a deficiency in essential nutrients like zinc or B vitamins.
Changes in stool appearance
You may notice greasy, shiny, or sticky stool, which indicates poor fat absorption.

⚠️ Important: If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your child, see a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Malabsorption in Children

Malabsorption varies depending on the type of nutrient the child’s body cannot absorb. The main types include:

Fat malabsorption

The most common type.
Stool appears pale, greasy, and has a strong odor.
Reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

Carbohydrate malabsorption

Most common example: lactose intolerance.
Symptoms include bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming milk or dairy products.

Protein malabsorption

Affects the child’s growth and immunity.
May cause swelling in the body due to low protein levels in the blood.

Vitamin and mineral malabsorption

Examples: iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B12, and others.
Can lead to anemia, delayed growth, weak bones, or nerve problems.

General (multiple nutrients) malabsorption

Occurs when the child has difficulty absorbing more than one type of nutrient.
Appears as general weakness, weight loss, delayed growth, and chronic diarrhea.

Complications of Malabsorption in Children

If not treated promptly, malabsorption in children can lead to serious health problems:

Delayed physical and mental growth

Slow weight and height gain.
Delays in sitting, walking, and speaking.
Poor concentration and learning difficulties.

Weakened immunity

Increased susceptibility to infections and frequent illnesses like colds.

Anemia

Caused by poor absorption of iron or vitamin B12.
Symptoms include paleness, fatigue, and lethargy.

Weak or soft bones

Due to calcium or vitamin D deficiency.
May cause leg pain or delayed walking.

Loss of appetite and malnutrition

Refusal to eat or abdominal cramps after meals.
Thin and weak body.

Chronic diarrhea and digestive disorders

Leads to loss of fluids and essential salts, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Psychological and behavioral problems

Irritability or withdrawal due to poor nutrition and its effect on the brain.

How Malabsorption in Children is Diagnosed

Diagnosing malabsorption involves several steps and tests to identify the cause and severity:

Detailed medical history

Questions about the child’s diet.
Timing of symptom onset.
Family history of chronic or genetic diseases.
Monitoring growth and physical development.

Clinical examination

Assessing the child’s weight and height, and checking for growth delays.
Looking for signs like dry skin, bloating, or severe thinness.
Checking for signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Blood tests

Detect deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as:
- Iron (for anemia diagnosis).
- Key vitamins like D and B12.
- Proteins and albumin levels.
- Liver and pancreatic enzymes.

Stool analysis

Checks for:
- Fat in stool (indicating fat malabsorption).
- Parasites or bacteria causing the problem.
- Stool consistency, color, and odor.

Breath tests

Hydrogen breath test used to diagnose:
- Lactose intolerance.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Imaging and endoscopy

Ultrasound of the abdomen or small intestine endoscopy.
Helps detect abnormalities or damage in the intestinal lining.
Tissue samples (biopsy) may be taken for microscopic examination.

Genetic testing

In some cases, genetic tests are requested to detect conditions such as:
- Celiac disease (gluten intolerance).
- Cystic fibrosis.

Available Treatments for Malabsorption in Children

Treatment of malabsorption in children depends on the underlying cause and severity, and usually involves several key steps:

1️⃣ Dietary Modifications

Avoid foods that irritate the gut or trigger allergies, such as:
- Dairy products (if lactose intolerance is present).
- Gluten (if the child has celiac disease).
Introduce easily digestible foods rich in nutrients.
Use special nutritional supplements or formulas, like lactose-free or partially hydrolyzed milk.

2️⃣ Medical Treatment

Digestive enzymes: To replace missing enzymes, such as pancreatic enzymes.
Antibiotics: If there is a bacterial infection in the intestines.
Anti-diarrheal medications: To reduce diarrhea and improve fluid absorption.
Medications for the underlying condition: For example, treatments for celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

3️⃣ Nutritional Supplementation

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), as their absorption decreases with malabsorption.
Iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12 according to lab results.
Oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

4️⃣ Medical Follow-up

Regular check-ups with a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Periodic lab tests to monitor absorption and response to treatment.
Sometimes consultation with a pediatric dietitian to design a suitable diet plan.

5️⃣ Surgical Intervention (rare)

In severe cases or congenital intestinal problems, surgery may be required.

✅ Recommended Foods for Children with Malabsorption

1️⃣ Easily digestible protein sources:

Boiled or grilled chicken breast.
Boiled eggs.
Yogurt or lactose-free yogurt.
Grilled fish, such as salmon or mullet.

2️⃣ Easily digestible carbohydrates:

White rice.
Boiled potatoes.
White bread or plain biscuits.

3️⃣ Cooked or mashed vegetables and fruits:

Zucchini, carrots, pumpkin.
Bananas, boiled or pureed apples, pears.

4️⃣ Healthy fats in small amounts:

Olive oil.
Coconut oil.

❌ Foods to Avoid:

Full-fat dairy if lactose intolerant.
Fried or fatty foods.
Processed foods with preservatives.
Legumes that cause bloating, like beans and lentils (depending on the child’s condition).
Wheat products if gluten-sensitive.

Additional Tips:

Serve small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
Monitor the child’s weight and height regularly.
Use supplements prescribed by the doctor (Vitamin D, iron, zinc, etc.).
Children with specific malabsorption conditions like celiac disease or cystic fibrosis require a specialized diet under the guidance of a pediatric dietitian.

Herbs That May Support Digestion in Children with Malabsorption

1️⃣ Anise (Yansoon)

Soothes the stomach and reduces bloating.
Helps reduce gas and improves digestion.

2️⃣ Ginger (in very small amounts)

Improves digestion and stimulates digestive enzymes.
Can be used as a very mild warm drink, but not recommended for children under 2 years.

3️⃣ Caraway

Calms the stomach and reduces cramps.
Can be consumed as a light drink after meals.

4️⃣ Chamomile

Soothes the digestive system.
Reduces colic and bloating associated with malabsorption.

5️⃣ Mint (in small amounts)

Improves bowel movement and relieves gas.
Should be used cautiously to avoid irritation.

⚠️ Important Notes:

Never use any herb without a doctor’s approval, especially if the child has food allergies or immune problems.
Herbs are only complementary and cannot replace medical treatment.
Ensure all herbs are free from contaminants or preservatives.