Carbohydrate malabsorption is a condition where the body cannot properly digest certain carbohydrates, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
This deficiency often causes a shortage of enzymes needed to break down the carbohydrates, such as lactase for lactose malabsorption or alpha-galactosidase for raffinose and stachyose malabsorption. Carbohydrate malabsorption may also cause several other health issues.
The malabsorption rate is between 70 per cent and 100 per cent in regions like Africa and Asia. There are many symptoms of carbohydrate malabsorption and patients can develop them depending on their condition’s severity.
Some widespread signs that show you may have malabsorption are:
These symptoms may develop shortly after eating foods high in malabsorbed carbohydrates, such as milk or other dairy products for lactose malabsorption or beans and vegetables for raffinose and stachyose malabsorption.
If you consume a high amount of malabsorbed carbohydrates, such as lactose and fructose, you may experience severe symptoms for a long time. In some cases, carbohydrate malabsorption may also be associated with weight loss or malnutrition.
While many people develop malabsorption symptoms when they get stomach flu, the persistent signs are often due to any underlying condition. Some general causes of this condition may include:
There is a high chance that you can develop carbohydrate malabsorption if you:
Are over 50 or 60– As you age, your body may produce fewer enzymes needed to digest certain carbohydrates, which can lead to malabsorption.
Have had Family members with Carbohydrate Malabsorption– Some types of carbohydrate malabsorption, such as congenital sucrase-isomaltose deficiency, can be inherited.
Have other Health Issues– Medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or cystic fibrosis may be more likely to cause carbohydrate malabsorption.
Have had Gastrointestinal Surgery – removing part of the small intestine may increase the risk of developing malabsorption.
Medications – Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and lead to malabsorption.
Diagnosing Carbohydrate Malabsorption is often challenging for medical professionals. However, they diagnose the condition with the help of clinical examinations such as stool tests or breathing tests. They help doctors measure the levels of certain carbohydrates or their by-products in the body.
In some cases, an endoscopy or biopsy may be necessary to examine the small intestine for signs of damage or inflammation.
Complications associated with carbohydrate malabsorption include nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and dehydration due to diarrhoea. Prolonged malabsorption can lead to chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
In addition, some people with carbohydrate malabsorption may experience negative impacts on their quality of life due to the chronic symptoms and dietary restrictions of this condition.
Treating carbohydrate malabsorption typically involves a combination of dietary modifications and enzyme supplementation. Dietary modifications may include reducing or eliminating the intake of foods high in malabsorbed carbohydrates, such as lactose or certain types of fibres.
Prevention of carbohydrate malabsorption depends on its underlying cause. Some types of malabsorption, such as those caused by genetic disorders, cannot be prevented.
However, for malabsorption caused by enzyme deficiencies or certain medical conditions, it may be possible to prevent or minimize symptoms through dietary changes and other treatment approaches recommended by a healthcare provider.
It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of carbohydrate malabsorption or have concerns about your digestive health.