The body requires a multitude of nutrients to function. These nutrients, in all their forms, are contained in the daily diet. Ordinarily, the body is extremely efficient at processing and absorbing these nutrients to fuel all of its needs. Yet, some conditions such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease compromise this process. Malabsorption refers to the inability of the small intestine to absorb nutrients.
Malabsorption can be due to damage to the intestinal lining such as in celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, radiation or chronic infections such as Whipple’s Disease or tropical sprue. It can also occur in diseases in which the body cannot absorb nutrients due to enzyme or protein deficiencies. Examples of this would include lactose intolerance, pernicious anemia with B12 deficiency or pancreatic insufficiency.
Some diseases and conditions only result in malabsorption of certain nutrients, such as protein. This type of malabsorption is called selective (or partial). Other diseases cause what is categorized as total malabsorption. The basic nutrient components impacted by total malabsorption include macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) and micronutrients (trace vitamins and minerals).
The symptoms of malabsorption can range from nonexistent to minor to severe. They include:
Diagnosis of malabsorption consists of:
Remedies for malabsorption depend on the cause of the condition. These remedies range from gluten or lactose-free diets, possible vitamin or mineral supplementation, anti-inflammatory medications, or antibiotics to counter bacterial overgrowth.
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we diagnose and treat malabsorption by getting to the root of its cause. Our physicians and staff recognize the challenges it presents, offering expert and compassionate care. We are proud to provide care for patients at our three office locations in Somerset County, where we will review your symptoms and craft a personalized treatment plan for you. If you are experiencing symptoms of malabsorption, please don’t hesitate to contact us and request an appointment today.
Our team of board-certified gastroenterologists at Digestive Healthcare Center is proud to help patients with a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. We will make sure you understand the “why” behind every decision made for your health, ensuring that you are comfortable every step of the way. Please contact us today to request an appointment at one of our offices in Hillsborough, Somerville, or Warren, NJ.
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center
Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety measures we are taking to protect you and our staff from contracting the coronavirus. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to limit the spread of the virus by continuously disinfecting all rooms and equipment, using protective barriers, providing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. We are testing staff and patients to make sure you are safe. Patients will be asked to provide information if they have been tested.
OFFICE HOURS:
Our Hillsborough and Somerville offices are open and seeing patients for Telemedicine and In-Office visits as needed. Our Warren location is currently closed.
SAFETY FIRST:
CENTRAL JERSEY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER:
Our surgery center is open and performing procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Please call to schedule an appointment at 908-218-9222. Patients coming in for procedures will be COVID tested prior to their procedure.
PATIENT PORTAL:
To better serve you, all patients must register for our portal by providing us with your email address. You will receive a portal invitation via email which will contain a pin number needed to register for our portal. This will be our main source of communication with you regarding test results, answering clinical questions, and providing important updates.
The Physicians and Staff at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center wish everyone the best at this trying time.
Stay healthy and safe.