People who have problems digesting and/or absorbing food and its nutrients are often described as "gastrointestinal (GI) compromised". The malabsorption of food can lead to overall poor nutritional status or malnutrition. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal bloating and pain, cramping, reflux and vomiting. GI compromised patients often show poor growth and/or weight loss, due to the body's inability to utilize the nutrients provided in foods eaten.
Digestion is the process that breaks food ingredients down into simple compounds which the intestine can absorb and the body's cells can then use for energy and to build other tissues, proteins and important cells for immune function, growth and day-to-day life. When digestion is impaired, food can not be broken down into these absorbable compounds, resulting in maldigestion, often presenting itself as diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping and bloating. In addition to these symptoms, the body does not receive the nutrients it needs, leading to malnutrition.
Malabsorption often occurs with maldigestion, but can occur even if there is adequate digestion. The condition may also be the result of an injured intestinal tract due to surgery or disease. With malabsorption, the body does not receive the nutrition it needs to fuel the body and repair its tissues. A consequence of malabsorption is malnutrition.
To provide adequate nutrition to people suffering from maldigestion and/or malabsorption, special nutrition products are needed. These products contain nutrients in a simple form that can be absorbed by the intestine and utilized efficiently by the body. They can be taken orally or via a tube, as the sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to the diet. Which format is needed depends on the severity of the GI compromise, and the medical and nutritional status of the patient.
Learn more about Nestlé Nutrition products for GI compromised patients.