Malabsorption after Small Bowel Resection: Therapy

General measures

  • Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day) or, in the context of the light whole food diet, alcohol restriction (abstention from alcohol).
  • Limited caffeine consumption (max. 240 mg of caffeine per day; this corresponds to 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 4 to 6 cups of green / black tea) or within the framework of the light full diet to renounce bean coffee, if this leads to intolerance reactions
  • Strive to maintain a normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised program for the underweight.
    • Falling below the BMI lower limit (from the age of 19: 19; from the age of 25: 20; from the age of 35: 21; from the age of 45: 22; from the age of 55: 23; from the age of 65: 24) → Participation in a medically supervised program for the underweight.

Regular checkups

  • Regular medical checkups

Nutritional medicine

  • Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
    • Daily energy intake: approx. 2,500 kcal
    • High intake of fluid, especially during diarrhea.
    • High content of complex carbohydrates and (soluble) fiber (oat products, legumes and pectin-rich fruits such as apples, pears and berries).
    • Depending on the extent of the fat stool, dietary fats (LCT fats) are to be partially replaced by the very well tolerated MCT fats; increased intake of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid; linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid) in the diet.
    • Pay attention to high-quality proteins (protein) – eggs, meat, fish, milk and dairy products, nuts, potatoes, cereal products, etc., especially in enteral protein loss syndrome.
    • In diarrhea replacement of electrolytes such as sodium, chlorine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and B group vitamins.
    • In case of high bile acid loss, avoid oxalic acid-rich foods such as beet (fresh and cooked), parsley, rhubarb (compote), spinach, chard, nuts (almonds, cashew, pecan, peanuts, walnuts) and peppermint leaves, tea leaves (black), instant coffee powder and cocoa powder.
    • In general, a light whole food diet is recommended. This consists of easily digestible foods with high nutrient and vital substance content and energy content. Avoid such foods, preparation methods and dishes, which experience has shown more often lead to intolerance reactions:
      • Voluminous and high-fat meals
      • Legumes and vegetables such as white cabbage, kale, peppers, sauerkraut, leeks, onions, savoy cabbage, mushrooms.
      • Raw stone and pome fruit
      • Fresh bread, wholemeal bread
      • Hard boiled eggs
      • Carbonated drinks
      • Fried, breaded, smoked, very spicy or very sweet foods.
      • Too cold or too hot food
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.