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Learn more about short bowel syndrome and malabsorption. Discover the causes, symptoms, and diagnostic process.
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs when a large portion of the small intestine and/or colon is removed. This condition can be very serious because it makes it difficult for patients to get the right nutrients from their diet due to malabsorption. The degree of malabsorption varies depending on which part and how much of the intestine is removed.
Malabsorption can also result from other gastrointestinal and allergic conditions. It occurs when the condition impairs the body from digesting and absorbing nutrients from the small intestine. In many cases, an amino acid-based formula like Neocate can help with absorption of nutrients since it contains free amino acids and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which are easy to digest and absorb.
Malabsorption results from conditions in which nutrients are not properly digested and absorbed.
SBS is a condition caused by the removal of a part of the small intestine. affecting absorption of nutrients (the degree of this depends on which part and how much of the bowel is removed).
The small intestine and colon play essential parts in the digestive process. The former absorbs most of the nutrients and fluids for the human body to function properly, while the latter absorbs water. In patients with SBS, loss of parts of the small intestine or colon results in the reduction of the available area for absorbing nutrients and fluids, which may lead to malabsorption.
Most children start on total parenteral nutrition, where nutrients are delivered through the vein, and progressively move toward oral or tube feeding. This transition period gives the small intestine time to adapt after surgery. Gradually, the cells in the small intestine multiply and it grows in length, increasing its surface area, thus beginning to absorb nutrients. A hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula such as Neocate might be recommended to help with the management of SBS.
Neocate has a balanced fat blend. One-third of the blend is made up of MCT (medium chain triglycerides), which are more readily absorbed by the intestine, and can help SBS patients with fat malabsorption. Two-thirds of the fat blend are LCT (long chain triglycerides); these fats need to be broken down before absorption, thereby helping with gut adaptation.
Neocate® is a family of hypoallergenic, amino acid-based specialized formulas for use under medical supervision and is indicated for cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies and related GI and allergic conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider about product recommendations.
Neocate Nutra is suitable for use in children and infants older than 6 months of age (not suitable as sole source of nutrition). Neocate Nutra is not intended for bottle or tube feeding.
Find out here whether Neocate products are reimbursed in your province.
Find the full range of Neocate products at a pharmacy near you.
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