What causes malabsorption syndromes?

Malabsorption syndromes are caused by damage to the intestinal lining that prevents proper nutrient absorption. Celiac disease causes an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine villi, while Crohn's disease creates inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Other causes include chronic pancreatitis, which reduces digestive enzymes, lactose intolerance, bacterial overgrowth, and parasitic infections like giardiasis that interfere with the intestinal wall's ability to absorb nutrients.

What is the best test for malabsorption syndromes?

The Calcium, Ionized, Serum test is the most important blood test for malabsorption syndromes because it detects calcium deficiency, one of the earliest and most common signs of impaired nutrient absorption. When your intestines cannot properly absorb calcium from food, blood levels drop, which can lead to serious complications like osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and nerve problems. This test measures the active form of calcium in your blood, providing critical information about how well your digestive system is absorbing nutrients. Additional tests for vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and folate levels may also be recommended to assess the full scope of nutritional deficiencies.

When should I get tested for malabsorption syndromes?

You should get tested if you experience chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, bloating, or fatty stools that are pale and difficult to flush. Other warning signs include persistent fatigue, muscle cramps, tingling in your hands or feet, easy bruising, or bone pain that might indicate vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Get tested immediately if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or chronic pancreatitis, as these conditions commonly cause malabsorption and require regular monitoring of nutrient levels.

What are the symptoms of malabsorption syndromes?

Malabsorption syndromes cause chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, and fatty stools that appear pale, greasy, and float in the toilet. You might experience unexplained weight loss despite eating normally, along with persistent fatigue and weakness. Other symptoms include muscle cramps, bone pain, easy bruising, dry skin, hair loss, and numbness or tingling in your hands and feet due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Who is at risk for malabsorption syndromes?

People with celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic pancreatitis are at highest risk for malabsorption syndromes. Those who have had intestinal surgery, such as gastric bypass or removal of part of the small intestine, are also at increased risk. Other risk factors include lactose intolerance, cystic fibrosis, chronic liver disease, radiation therapy to the abdomen, and long-term use of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics that disrupt gut bacteria.

What happens if malabsorption syndromes are left untreated?

Untreated malabsorption syndromes lead to severe nutritional deficiencies that cause serious health complications. Calcium and vitamin D deficiency results in osteoporosis, increasing your risk of bone fractures, while iron deficiency causes severe anemia with extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. Vitamin B12 deficiency damages your nervous system, causing permanent nerve damage, memory problems, and difficulty walking. You may also experience stunted growth in children, infertility, weakened immune system leading to frequent infections, and potentially life-threatening complications from severe malnutrition.

Can malabsorption syndromes be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests cannot directly diagnose malabsorption syndromes, but they are essential for detecting the nutritional consequences of poor absorption. The Calcium, Ionized, Serum test identifies calcium deficiency, while additional blood tests measure levels of vitamins D, B12, A, E, and K, as well as iron, folate, and protein. These results help your doctor assess the severity of malabsorption and guide treatment decisions. Definitive diagnosis typically requires endoscopy with intestinal biopsy, stool tests, or breath tests to identify the underlying cause.

How is malabsorption syndrome treated?

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and replacing deficient nutrients. For celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet allows the intestines to heal and resume normal absorption. Crohn's disease may require anti-inflammatory medications or immunosuppressants to reduce intestinal inflammation. Your doctor will prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements, often in higher doses or special forms that are easier to absorb, to correct deficiencies. In severe cases, you might need intravenous nutrition or injections to bypass the digestive system entirely.

How can I prevent malabsorption syndromes?

Prevention depends on managing underlying conditions that cause malabsorption. If you have celiac disease, strictly avoid all gluten-containing foods to prevent intestinal damage. Work with your doctor to control inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease with appropriate medications. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which damages the pancreas and intestinal lining, and take antibiotics only when necessary to prevent disruption of healthy gut bacteria. If you have chronic digestive symptoms, seek medical evaluation early before severe malabsorption develops.

What can I do at home for malabsorption syndromes?

Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce digestive stress and improve nutrient absorption. Choose nutrient-dense foods that are easier to digest, such as cooked vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. Take prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements consistently, preferably with meals to enhance absorption. Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods that worsen symptoms, and consider working with a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive disorders to optimize your nutrition plan.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Malabsorption Syndromes Blood Test

What is Malabsorption syndromes?

Malabsorption syndromes are conditions where the digestive system fails to properly absorb nutrients from food. They are caused by damage to the intestinal lining from conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or chronic pancreatitis, which disrupts the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. The Calcium, Ionized, Serum test is the most important test for malabsorption syndromes because it detects calcium deficiency, one of the earliest and most common signs of impaired nutrient absorption.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com