Malabsorption in Thyroid Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Thyroid dysfunctions can cause a wide range of health issues, including malabsorption. Malabsorption is a condition in which the body is unable to absorb nutrients from food, leading to malnutrition and other health problems. Let’s look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions.
What is Malabsorption?
Malabsorption is a condition in which the body is unable to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. Malabsorption can be caused by a variety of factors, including diseases, medications, and lifestyle choices.
Causes of Malabsorption in Thyroid Dysfunctions
Analysis of intestinal absorption capacities in 11 hyperthyroid and 14 hypothyroid patients revealed that steatorrhoea (fat indigestion) was frequent among those with hyperthyroidism but rare among those with hypothyroidism. D-xylose malabsorption was observed in both groups of thyroid conditions, with higher rates in the hypothyroid group. Vitamin B12 malabsorption was seen in two hypothyroid patients. The malabsorption of fat and carbohydrates in both groups of patients seemed to be related to thyroid malfunction.
Gastrointestinal motility issues have been suggested to be the root cause of diarrhea and malabsorption seen in hyperthyroidism, as well as constipation frequently present in hypothyroidism. When hypothyroid patients were given thyroid replacement, transit time decreased significantly. This supports the idea that abnormal gut motility is the source of digestive complaints related to both hyper- and hypothyroidism.
Malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, as the body is unable to properly absorb them.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism may cause diarrhea and short transit time of the food via the intestines – there is simply not enough time to absorb nutrients due to their short presence in the gut. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, as the body is unable to properly absorb them.
- Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (aka Hashimoto’s): Autoimmune thyroid disease is a condition where the bodyโs immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, as the body is unable to properly absorb them.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antacids, can interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
- Lifestyle Choices: Poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption can all lead to malabsorption of nutrients.
Symptoms of Malabsorption in Thyroid Dysfunctions
The symptoms of malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
- Anemia
- ย Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Treatment of Malabsorption in Thyroid Dysfunctions
The treatment of malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
- Diet: A diet rich in color or phytonutrients is recommended to help the body absorb nutrients.
- Supplements: Supplements may be recommended to help the body absorb nutrients. Certain herbal supplements are used to treat the underlying cause of malabsorption.
- Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, may be recommended to help the body absorb nutrients.
Conclusion
Malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions can cause a wide range of health issues, including malnutrition and other health problems. The causes, symptoms, and treatment of malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions vary depending on the underlying cause. Treatment may include medications, diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Source URLs:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/malabsorption
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6706068/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7930435/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1940412/
- https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hypothyroidism-too-little-thyroid-hormone
- https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hyperthyroidism-overactive-thyroid-gland
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-thyroid-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353690
- https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/malabsorption-syndrome#1