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Happy Tummy Expert

1 month ago

Dear Diksha Patidar, Thank you for the question

The gastrointestinal tract is involved in absorbing nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Malabsorption refers to impaired nutrient absorption at any point where nutrients are absorbed.

Malabsorption can arise from any issues of the digestion/absorption process. These issues can result from

• An inherent disorder of the mucosa, conditions that lead to acquired damage of the mucosa,
• Congenital defects in the intestinal membrane transport systems,
• Impaired absorption of specific nutrients,
• Impaired GI  motility (decreased peristalsis and stasis),
• Disrupted bacterial flora,
• Infection,
• Compromised blood flow or compromised lymphatics. 

Symptoms of malabsorption syndromes are

• Diarrhoea,
• Steatorrhea,
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Malnutrition
• Vitamin, mineral, trace element deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, B12, iron, folate)
• Unintentional weight loss/ poor weight gain
• Developmental delay or skeletal deformities (in children),
• Anemia.
• Gastrointestinal digestive issues like(IBS, Celiac disease, lactose intolerance)

Please contact your health care professional or a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis, assistance and management.

Low haemoglobin levels indicate presence of anemia. Women face more risk of iron deficiency anemia, across lifecycle due to increased iron needs during menstrual blood loss & childbirth etc.  Some of the reasons iron deficiency inadequate intake, malabsorption, low intake of vitamin C, infections and/or underlying health conditions. Iron deficiency may potentially increase the risk of anemia. For further diagnosis and assistance please contact a health care professional.

Normal haemoglobin levels for women is 12 to 16 g/dl (Reference: NIH, Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition).

The richest sources of heme iron in the diet are lean meat and seafood and non-heme sources include nuts, beans, dark green leafy vegetables(blanched/ leached), and fortified grain, milk, whole grains, legumes and dry fruits etc.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Iron for women is 29mg per day.

For general wellbeing, consume a balanced diet which provides all the nutrients in required amounts and proper proportions. It can easily be achieved through a blend of the four basic food groups. The quantities of foods needed to meet the nutrient requirements vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity. A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat.

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual/ with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d and the RDA for protein requirement is 46g/d for women.

Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet that can be considered:

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• Some of the good sources of protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc. 
• Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
• Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
• Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
• Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before sleep time.
• Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes brisk walk/physical activity of moderate intensity at least 5 days a week.
• Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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