When we eat food, our bodies normally break down the food into individual molecules. They do this using special proteins called enzymes. The body absorbs these tiny food bits into the bloodstream. 

Malabsorption is when your child’s body doesn’t break down food or absorb it properly. This means they don’t get enough nutrients to grow well. This often leads to failure to thrive, poor weight gain and weight loss. 

Symptoms can affect a child’s brain growth and adult height. They may also have digestive issues that hinder their quality of life.
Digestive symptoms can include:

• Diarrhea
• Oily, foul-smelling stools
• Poor growth
• Abdominal distension
• Belly pain
• Diaper rashes in babies

There are many health issues that can lead to malabsorption. Sometimes, your child might not have the right enzyme to digest a particular food. Other times, damage to the gut has affected the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. 

Conditions that can cause malabsorption include:

• Celiac disease:  The body’s reaction to gluten damages the small intestine. The damage makes it hard to absorb nutrients.
• Cystic fibrosis (CF):  A genetic issue that makes mucus thick and sticky. It can block the pancreas, so the body doesn't get the enzymes it needs to break down food.
• Pancreatic insufficiency:  The pancreas doesn’t make enough enzymes to digest food properly. This can happen with genetic syndromes, damage or structural issues.
• Lactose intolerance:  The body can’t digest lactose, the sugar in milk. This can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea after eating dairy.
• Short bowel syndrome: Part of the small intestine is missing or removed. The body has less surface area to absorb food and nutrients.
• Crohn’s disease:  Causes swelling and damage in the digestive tract, especially the small intestine. This can lead to trouble absorbing nutrients.
• Giardiasis:  A parasite that infects the intestines, often from drinking unclean water. It can damage the gut lining and lead to diarrhea and weight 

Treatment for malabsorption depends on your child’s age, health and specific condition. In many cases, treatment focuses on diet changes and finding ways to support proper nutrition.
Some of the most common treatments include:

• Help with dietary changes: A registered dietitian can guide your family on what foods to avoid and what to include. This may include a special diet, like avoiding gluten or lactose. It may also mean taking supplements to replace what your child isn’t absorbing.
• Medicines: Support digestion by reducing stomach acid, calming inflammation or treating gut infections. Others replace the missing enzymes to help break down and absorb food.
• Tube feeding or IV nutrition: If your child cannot absorb enough nutrients by mouth, we may use a feeding tube or IV to give them extra nutrition. This helps with growth and energy. Our Intestinal Rehabilitation Program can help.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may help. This might include fixing a blockage, removing part of the intestine or placing a feeding tube.

Our team will work with you to create the best plan for your child’s needs.

US News & World Report consistently ranks our GI Program as among the nation’s best. We provide the best possible care for the diagnosis and treatment of lactose intolerance in kids. Our team of experts can help you and your family manage health issues that affect how the body takes in nutrients.

• Intestinal Rehabilitation Program: Our experts care for kids who need nutrition through a vein or a feeding tube. We focus on guiding children toward eating by mouth and reducing their need for IV nutrition.
• Cystic Fibrosis Center: We work to improve care for CF. That includes the related pancreatic issues. We are fully accredited for care, teaching and research by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The center's clinical outcomes have remained outstanding for many years.
• Celiac-specific clinic: The Bonnie Lynn Mechanic Celiac Disease Clinic at Children’s Wisconsin works with kids of all ages. Our celiac program focuses on treating your child from every angle.
• We’re here to help them manage their condition and the stress and side effects that come with it.
• Pancreatic Disorders Program: One of the few programs in the US that focuses on care for kids with health issues of the pancreas and gallbladder. We look at every part of your child’s health to find answers and provide the best care possible. This helps us find the cause, even with hard-to-diagnose cases.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program: Children's Wisconsin is nationally known for pediatric care for Crohn’s disease. We provide family-centered care, management and consultations.
• Research focus: We take part in national research studies to find better ways to treat digestive health issues in kids. Our team also works closely with other experts and clinics to give your child the most complete and connected care.