The Many Faces Of Malabsorption/Malnutrition (M/M)

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qaQ & A With Dr. Michael Wald

If you can answer even half of the questions below, you might consider yourself an expert in malnutrition/ malabsorption, abbreviated MM issues.

TRUE OR FALSE: Testing for MM disorders are routinely done by most doctors?

ANSWER: False. In fact, most gastroenterologist do not routinely perform tests for MM. When they do, our experience is that testing is woefully incomplete.

TRUE OR FALSE: MM problems may mimic other health problems such as multiple sclerosis, nerve problems, headaches, osteoporosis, infections and various intestinal disorders to name a few?

ANSWER: True. Defi ciencies of nutrients may result in breakdown of many cellular, tissue and organ systems.

TRUE OR FALSE: MM is a term used to refer only to Celiac Disease (CD)?

ANSWER: False. CD is a malabsorption disorder caused by an autoimmune reaction to dietary gluten found in barley, rye, oats and wheat. However, there are several other forms of MM including, but not limited to, nonceliac gluten intolerance, atrophic gastritis, increased indicant, parasite disorders, cows’ milk intolerance, soy milk intolerance, fructose malabsorption, Lactase defi ciency inducing lactose intolerance (constitutional, secondary or rarely congenital), sucrose intolerance, Intestinal disaccharidase defi ciency, Intestinal enteropeptidase defi ciency, cystic fi brosis, chronic pancreatitis, carcinoma of pancreas, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Bile salt malabsorption, terminal ileal disease, obstructive jaundice, bacterial overgrowth.

TRUE OR FALSE: Most gastroenterologists routinely test for various forms of MM?

ANSWER: False. Unfortunately, many of our patients have needlessly suffered for many months and even years from various health problems resulting from nutritional and metabolic problems from MM syndromes. Which signs and symptoms below are sometimes caused by MM syndromes?

a. Diarrhea, fl oating stool, bloating, gas
b. Weight loss and growth retardation
c. Swelling or edema of the face, hands, lets and other body regions
d. Fatigue and weakness
e. Muscle cramps, osteopenia and osteoporosis
f. Easy bruising and bleeding problems

ANSWER: All of the above are true.

TRUE OR FALSE: Many MM disorders will respond only to high doses of oral supplements, intramuscular vitamin shots and/or intravenous nutrition drips?

ANSWER: True

– Dr. Michael Wald, Brain-Energy Blast