5 Signs Your Body Isn't Absorbing Nutrients | Vitamins for Malabsorption

Have you ever noticed symptoms like bloating, weight loss, and fatigue? Malabsorption syndrome is a serious condition that affects your body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Learn more about the causes, what to look out for, and possible treatments for this disorder.

What Is Malabsorption?

Malabsorption syndrome is a disorder that affects your body's ability to digest or absorb certain nutrients from your food, like fats, proteins, sugars, or vitamins. 

In some cases, malabsorption can cause other illnesses or affect functions in the body. Our bodies need a certain amount of vitamins and nutrients to survive and thrive, and missing those can lead to mental and physical health issues. 

Why Isn't My Body Absorbing Nutrients?

Malabsorption can be caused by external and internal factors. Damage to the intestines from an infection or surgery can affect nutrient absorption, potentially leading to malabsorption. Long-term use of antibiotics, bacterial overgrowth, and parasites like tapeworms can also cause the issue.

Other health conditions, like cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, pernicious anemia, and lactose intolerance are similar risk factors. Treatment of the disorder depends on the cause, whether it's an underlying condition or something else, so it's important to visit a doctor as soon as you show symptoms of malabsorption.

5 Signs Your Body Isn't Absorbing Nutrients

The symptoms of malabsorption differ depending on which nutrient is lacking. For example, the signs of protein malabsorption are different from certain vitamin deficiencies. In general, some of the most common symptoms of nutrient malabsorption are:

1. Gastrointestinal issues: Many people notice bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Though these can also signal other health issues, they might be a sign of malabsorption as well.

2. Fatigue: When the body doesn't have all the nutrients it needs, it can be hard for it to produce energy. Fatigue is a common symptom of malabsorption as a result.

3. Weight loss or muscle loss: Similarly, keeping on weight or muscle can become an issue when your body doesn't digest or absorb enough nutrients. If you notice dramatic weight changes, make an appointment with your doctor.

4. Skin rashes: Skin rashes are a common symptom of malabsorption and other digestive issues. The body's health is closely connected to gut health, so when there are problems in the digestive tract, they can sometimes appear as skin issues.

5. Dry hair or hair loss: When your body is having trouble getting enough nutrients, it often stops sending nutrients to non-vital parts of the body, like your hair. You might notice dry, brittle hair, or even hair loss.

These are just a few of the many symptoms of malabsorption. You'll notice that some of these symptoms overlap with those of other medical conditions, which is why it's so important to get a professional diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Malabsorption

Only a doctor can diagnose a case of malabsorption syndrome, so it's important to talk to your physician as soon as possible. They will likely review your symptoms and medical history, as well as run a few tests for malabsorption, like malabsorption blood tests or biopsies. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests for nutrients (i.e., tests for vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, iron, protein, etc.)
• Stool tests
• Breath tests (i.e., lactose hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance)
• Imaging tests (i.e., CT scans or other x-rays)
• Biopsies of cells in the small intestines
• Endoscopy

How Do You Treat Malabsorption?

Treatments for malabsorption syndrome depend on the cause of the issue. Your doctor might place you on a specific diet of foods that your body can better digest or absorb. The best diet for malabsorption will depend on what nutrients your body struggles to absorb, which is why it's so important to visit a doctor for testing and professional guidance.

Other treatments for malabsorption include supplements, medications to treat any issues in the intestinal tract, or antibiotics in the case of infection. For most people, the treatment for malabsorption will include regular care and checkups at the doctor’s office.

The Connection Between Vitamins and Malabsorption

The best vitamins for malabsorption differ depending on the case and patient. One person who experiences malabsorption will likely need different vitamins and nutrients than another.

If you notice the symptoms of vitamin malabsorption, speak to your doctor about developing a treatment plan. Your doctor might suggest adding missing vitamins to your diet via vitamin patches, pills, injections, or fortified foods.

Vitamin Patches from OnMi

Vitamin patches are a safe and effective form of vitamin delivery using transdermal technology. A vitamin patch is placed on the skin to deliver ingredients into systemic circulation in the body, rather than via the digestive tract. Compared to vitamin pills, patches can be used by people with trouble swallowing pills and those with gastrointestinal sensitivity. They're also safe to use before bed and are free from harmful additives.

If you're interested in upping your vitamin intake, vitamin patches are the perfect way to do so. At OnMi, you'll find a collection of patches made with a combination of vitamins and nutrients your body needs to thrive. Explore vitamin patches formulated for improved energy, sleep, and relaxation, or just find a patch with the vitamins our bodies most often lack, like vitamins A, B1, B6, and D.

Ready to try vitamin patches from OnMi? Head to our online vitamin store to check out our selection.