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Is malabsorption of nutrients a complication of IBS?


Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not an immune disease such as colitis or even Crohn’s disease. Instead, IBS affects the large intestine which does not operate efficiently during the digestive process.  Food is passed through the stomach before moving to the small intestine, then through the large intestine or colon. A squeezing action aids food to proceed through the colon. However, with IBS, this squeezing motion may be either too fast or too slow.

 IBS does not lead to permanent disease, however, it can have symptoms that may be painful and uncomfortable. Some of the issues with IBS include constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence. There is another effect of IBS; that of malabsorption of nutrients. This can, however, be lessened if the sufferer follows a proper diet, takes medication, and is subjected to stress management.

It should also be mentioned that eating large meals, enduring stress, and having food intolerance could trigger IBS symptoms. Symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation can in themselves impede the absorption of nutrients.

Malabsorption of Nutrients

The IBS Treatment Centre in Seattle has confirmed that IBS symptoms may lead to malabsorption of nutrients in IBS patients. Some malabsorption of nutrient issues includes anemia. Anemia is an iron deficiency in which the body is not able to absorb sufficient iron and sometimes even vitamin B12. The implication of anemia is that the body does not produce enough red blood cells. An anemia sufferer will experience symptoms such as fatigue. This is caused by the blood being unable to provide the cells with the required oxygen to function optimally.

A further issue of the malabsorption of nutrients is that IBS patients might lack sufficient protein. Having too low a supply of protein may lead to mental impairment.

Potential Ways of Avoiding Malabsorption of Nutrients

Conditions such as anemia may be detected via blood tests ordered by a doctor. Once this condition has been diagnosed, it may be treated by taking a course of iron tablets. Should the patient also lack vitamin B12, this may be ameliorated by a course of vitamin B12 injections.

However, an underlying issue with IBS is that treatment should be approached holistically. This means providing stress-management education and outlining a healthy and nutrient-rich diet consisting of small meals eaten at regular intervals. Laxatives and fiber supplements may also be helpful. In addition to all the above, medication prescribed by a doctor may also be required.

An IBS sufferer should avoid foods that contain Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP). FODMAP refers to foods that contain fructose, such as fruit, lactose, such as found in dairy products, fructans such as those found in garlic, wheat, and onions, Galatians as found in legumes, and polyols such as sugar alcohols. Food containing these substances once blended with water in the intestinal tract can lead to digestion problems and fermentation, or to typical IBS symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, and bloating.

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