Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorption condition that is associated with a high frequency of complications and a high use of healthcare resources.

Essential fatty acid deficiency is rare in healthy adults and children who have a varied diet with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (linoleic acid). Clinicians should be aware of the risk of essential fatty acid deficiency in specific populations that may have malabsorption syndromes, or for other reasons that severely limit fat intake, absorption absorption or transformation.

Dietary therapy is an important component of care for patients with short bowel syndrome. The cornerstone of dietary therapy is the adjustment of food intake to maximize nutrient and fluid utilization by reducing stool output. Fecal output in short bowel syndrome is driven by fluid load exceeding the absorptive capacity of the shortened intestine; but other factors also contribute.