Malabsorption Syndromes Lactose intolerance and coeliac disease

What is a Malabsorption Syndrome? A difficulty in absorbing the nutrients due to food intolerance and allergies. In turn, people affected by a malabsorption syndrome may be unable to eat certain categories of food or be restricted by a modified diet. Common allergies include: Cows milk Eggs Fish Crustaceans Peanuts Soybeans

Coeliac Disease A condition in which the presence of gluten damages the small intestine. A permanent intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Gluten in wheat-flour comprises of two proteins: glutenin and gliadin. Gliadin is toxic to people suffering coeliac disease. Believed to affect 1% of the population.

Coeliac Disease The gluten from these foods causes a loss of villi. In the small intestine the villi absorb nutrients as the food passes through. With reduced villi, coeliac suffers can suffer malabsorption of proteins, vitamins and minerals Villi = small finger like projections in the small intestine.

Coeliac Disease The symptoms of Coeliac Disease are: Tummy pain Diarrhoea or constipation Swollen abdomen (a fat looking tummy) Being grizzly and bad tempered Anaemia Slow growth rate Pies, pasties, biscuits, cakes and bread all contain gluten unless specifically labelled otherwise. Gluten free products are also available.

Food to Include and Avoid – p341 &p342

Lactose Intolerance Lactose Intolerance is the inability to break down lactose in milk products due to insufficient lactase. Approximately 1 million Australians have some degree of lactose intolerance. There are genetic factors linked to lactose intolerance given the majority of suffers come from an Asian, Indigenous or Mediterranean background. Lactase = the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Not to be confused with an allergy to milk, because it is not an immune response to milk protein.

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms include: The concerns include: Concerned with the gastrointestinal tract, as the lactose reaches the large bowel without being digested. In its progress through the tract the lactose attracts water and bacteria. In turn, gases are created, which can create bloating and diarrhoea. The concerns include: The pain sufferers experience Reaching RDI intakes for calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D. Lack of variety in the diet by the exclusion of the main part of one food group.

Lactose Intolerance Sufferers must ensure that they get the RDIs of calcium and phosphorus from other food sources. Butter and some cheeses are low in lactose and are tolerated by some sufferers. Yoghurt and yoghurt based foods can also be eaten as the lactose has been partially broken down in these foods. Complete activity 10 on p49.

Lactose per 100g

Irritable Bowel Syndrome A combination of abdominal pain, bloating, excessive wind and changes in bowel movements. Symptoms usually occur after one eats or they are under stress Poor absorption of nutrients Follow a low-fat, high fibre diet

Crohn’s Disease An inflammation disorder that affects the ileum and the colon of the large intestine. Causes diarrhoea, exhaustion and weight loss due to malabsorption. Avoid sugarary foods, alcohol and caffeine Follow a diet low in fat, fibre and lactose Drink lots of fluid Take a vitamin and mineral supplement