Malabsorption syndrome in children

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Le Thanh Cam - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Malabsorption syndrome is a condition that is common to anyone and is common in young children. Malabsorption syndrome makes patients unable to absorb nutrients, vitamins and minerals from food, leading to a situation where the body does not have enough nutrients to develop, and is prone to various diseases.

1. Cause

Due to damage to the small intestine Due to the deficiency of digestive enzymes of the stomach, liver, bile, ... are not able to meet the digestive function The consequences of this syndrome can lead to malabsorption of necessary substances. for the body such as nutrients, vitamins, proteins, minerals, bile salts, vitamins, trace elements ... This affects the development and regulation of the body, if not developed If detected early and treated promptly, the disease can progress severely and cause serious consequences.

2. Children with poor absorption

Malabsorption syndromes are common in young children and are worrisome. The process of malabsorption affects the growth and development of children, can make children grow slowly mentally and physically, face a high risk of malnutrition, immunodeficiency.
For children under 12 months, malabsorption syndrome manifests through milk intolerance in the child. Children show signs of unresponsiveness to the nutritional composition of milk, due to a lack of lactose, the child cannot absorb lactose and is allergic to protein, leading to malabsorption.
Common symptoms of malabsorption syndrome in young children such as constipation, bloating, indigestion or changes in color and nature (pale stools, watery stools, fatty stools, raw stools. ..).
The most common symptom of malabsorption syndrome is diarrhea, which can last for several days, but does not occur in all cases. If the disease is not treated in time, it can lead to complications such as weight loss, slow growth, possibly anemia if lacking many important vitamins...

3. Children with malabsorption should do?

Parents should supplement a reasonable diet for their children to help them absorb better:
The diet should ensure low fiber, fat and milk, with a lot of liquids such as water, maybe juice or water. fruit. The diet can be applied in the following way for a period of at least 30 days: Eat small portions throughout the day. Do not eat too much food in each meal because it can lead to decreased motility and affect the digestive and absorption capacity of the intestine. Full supplement of vitamins, minerals, substances necessary for the development and regulation of the body from fruits, especially papaya and pineapple. Eat a lot of rice, oatmeal, pasta to supplement carbohydrates... Eat grilled or steamed fish 3 times a week. Fatty foods such as butter, margarine, fried foods, fatty meats, cooking oils. Chocolate should be limited, dairy and wheat products, products containing caffeine, and processed foods should be avoided, especially those containing many food additives. In addition, low-sugar yogurt can be added, preferably home-made fermented yogurt, to strengthen the intestinal microflora. Parents should keep their children clean, wash their hands before eating and after eating, and guide and exercise with young children to keep them healthy and strengthen their resistance.

In the case of children showing signs of nutritional malabsorption, to determine the exact cause as well as the degree of malabsorption in the child, parents should take the child to a reputable medical facility to receive examination, Doctors will evaluate the condition and give a reasonable and effective treatment plan.
With many years of experience in examining and treating diseases in children, now the Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining , screening and treatment of many specialized diseases in children. Therefore, if the child shows signs of poor absorption of nutrients, slow weight gain, growth retardation, etc., parents can take the child to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and support. advice from qualified doctors.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: msdmanuals.com