What Is Carbohydrate Malabsorption?
The group of nutrients known as carbohydrates includes starches and sugars. Carbohydrate malabsorption may sometimes be referred to as carbohydrate intolerance. This is because people who suffer from this condition have problems tolerating certain carbohydrates after they consume them. This is generally due to an inability to break down the carbohydrates during the digestive process. This condition often leads to bowel problems that can range in severity.
Carbohydrates are humans’ fuel. The body breaks them down and feeds them into the bloodstream. This is how a person gets her energy. If she suffers from carbohydrate malabsorption, however, then this process does not work correctly. The carbohydrates remain undigested and continue passing through the intestinal tract.
Symptoms of this condition can include cramps, diarrhea, and gassiness. These symptoms are associated with the fact that the undigested carbohydrates eventually make their way to the colon. When this happens fluids are attracted and the unabsorbed material begins to ferment. This causes gases to be created that can make a person feel bloated.
It is believed that the malabsorption of certain carbohydrates, such as lactose and fructose, may be linked to depression. Evidence has shown the link in women. In men, however, carbohydrate malabsorption is not believed to have the same adverse mental health effects. It has also been found that children who suffer from this condition grow at a slower rate than their peers.
Lactose intolerance is one of the most widely found types of carbohydrate malabsorption. These conditions can be present at birth or may be developed later in life. One of the reasons that carbohydrate malabsorption occurs is due to a lack of intestinal enzymes. The problem may also be induced by drinking fruit juices that contain sorbitol.
Carbohydrate malabsorption is commonly diagnosed following a breath test. When conducting this test, the objective is to detect hydrogen levels. If carbohydrates are properly digested, these levels should be low.
In most cases, a person will only have a problem digesting certain carbohydrates, such as lactose. In these cases, treatment may involve the person avoiding foods that contain those carbohydrates she cannot absorb. A person may also be instructed to take enzyme supplements.
Carbohydrate malabsorption can lead to nutritional problems. In severe cases, a person may have to be admitted into the hospital. While there, she may need to be treated with a special diet.
Written by Felicia Dye
