Symptoms of malabsorption in children

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Dang Huy Toan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital
Many families face a situation where even though they have fed their children many nutrients, the results are not satisfactory, the children do not gain weight and height do not grow for a very long time, even lose weight and become depressed. nutrition. This phenomenon makes many parents lose sleep because of anxiety and do not know how to handle it properly.

1. What is malabsorption syndrome in children?

Malabsorption syndrome in children is understood when the child is still eating normally, but the digestive system cannot absorb nutrients from food, thereby leading to a deficiency of some nutrients in the body. are important, namely vitamins, minerals, proteins... have a significant influence on the development and operation of organs in the body.
Normally, digestive enzymes on the surface of the intestinal wall will help convert nutrients from food into smaller particles, these molecules can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream to nourish cells, organs and perform functions to maintain life, build and develop the body. Therefore, poor food absorption occurs when the child's body is not able to fully absorb nutrients from the digestive system into the bloodstream.

2. Causes of poor absorption and slow weight gain

According to experts, the causes of poor food absorption in children are diverse. Here are some of the most common, most common causes:
2.1. Unreasonable diet, lack of nutrition Poor absorption of children, slow weight gain can be the result of an inappropriate nutrition, including:
Giving baby solid foods too early. Parents do not introduce children to gradually familiarize themselves with the introduction of new foods, especially foods with complex molecular structures or high allergen such as egg whites and seafood. A diet that lacks balance between the 4 food groups, such as foods that are too greasy, can also lead to poor absorption of food by children, thereby affecting overall health. 2.2. Intestinal dysbacteriosis Abnormal changes in intestinal bacteria, especially in children who have been or are using antibiotics, drugs to treat diseases for a long time is considered one of the causes leading to malabsorption syndrome in children.
2.3. Lack of important micronutrients The condition of a child's body lacking essential micronutrients for the digestive system such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, and calcium can lead to poor absorption, slow weight gain, fatigue, loss of appetite. digestive disorders . ..
2.4. Lack of digestive enzymes Enzymes or digestive enzymes play an important role in the digestion of foods. The job of enzymes is to convert food into nutrients for the body to absorb. Therefore, digestive enzyme deficiency can directly affect children's poor absorption of food.
2.5. Due to certain diseases Some diseases related to the pancreas, liver, gallbladder or gastrointestinal tract such as enteritis, peptic ulcer disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome ... are all at risk. often affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

3. Some measures to prevent malabsorption syndrome in children

In order to overcome and prevent the baby's malabsorption, slow weight gain, parents or caregivers need to thoroughly understand the direct cause of this condition and then take appropriate and effective treatment measures. Besides, in the process of nurturing and caring, parents should pay attention to the following issues to prevent malabsorption syndrome in children:
3.1. Proper nutrition Prepare clean and hygienic dishes. The diet is appropriate for the age, taste and preferences of the child. Feed the baby in a sufficient quantity, especially do not create the habit of forcing the child to eat too much and can cause the opposite effect such as fear of eating, anorexia. The composition of the meal of the day should provide all 4 food groups. 3.2. Note the diet for children at the age of weaning The stage for children to start a new food, parents should practice for the child to get used to it, especially should start with a small amount and then gradually increase according to the ability of the child. young. If giving a new food to a child and showing signs of poor absorption, parents should temporarily stop that food and try again after a while. 3.3. Some other notes If you have an infection and after a course of antibiotic treatment, your child's poor absorption of food, in addition to the digestive enzymes prescribed by the doctor, parents should add yogurt to their diet. to supplement beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Parents should have a regular deworming schedule for children over 24 months old. Increase movement for children: Let children play, participate in physical activities to increase intestinal contractions, thereby helping children eat better and increase the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Finally, parents can supplement vitamins and necessary micronutrients for children with suitable products. With many years of experience in examining and treating diseases in children, 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, slow growth, ... parents can take the child to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and support. advice from qualified doctors.