What is the reason for slow absorption in the body

Slow absorption in the body may be related to factors such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes, imbalance of gut microbiota, chronic disease effects, and drug side effects. Long term absorption disorders can easily lead to malnutrition, and targeted improvements should be made based on specific causes.

1. Gastrointestinal dysfunction

Slow gastrointestinal peristalsis or abnormal secretion of digestive fluids can directly affect the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Diseases such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome are often accompanied by delayed gastric emptying and prolonged intestinal transit time, resulting in food staying in the digestive tract for too short a time or insufficient contact with digestive enzymes. This type of situation can be alleviated by eating small meals, avoiding greasy foods, and supplementing probiotics appropriately.

2. Insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes

When the pancreas secretes insufficient pancreatic lipase, trypsin, etc., the digestion efficiency of protein and fat is significantly reduced. Patients with chronic pancreatitis and cholecystectomy often have this problem, where large molecular nutrients that have not been fully decomposed are difficult to be absorbed by the small intestinal villi. Clinically, it may be recommended to supplement pancreatic enzyme preparations while controlling the intake of high-fat diet.

3. Imbalance of gut microbiota

Excessive proliferation of harmful gut bacteria can competitively consume nutrients and produce toxins that damage the absorption area of the intestinal mucosa. Long term use of antibiotics and a monotonous diet can lead to dysbiosis of the microbiota, manifested as the coexistence of bloating, diarrhea, and nutritional deficiencies. Moderate intake of fermented foods and dietary fiber can help rebuild the balance of gut microbiota.

4. Effects of chronic diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease can cause intestinal mucosal inflammation and villus atrophy, significantly reducing the absorption surface area. The hyperglycemic environment of diabetes patients may also inhibit the active intestinal transport function. This type of situation requires controlling the primary disease first, and then improving absorption through enteral nutrition support.

5. Drug side effects

Long term use of some acid suppressants can alter the acidic environment of the stomach, affecting the absorption of iron and vitamin B12. Some antibiotics and hypoglycemic drugs may also interfere with the normal absorption mechanism of the intestine. When there is a significant nutritional deficiency during medication, the medication plan should be adjusted or specific nutrients should be supplemented under the guidance of a doctor. Improving absorption function requires a dual approach of dietary adjustments and etiological management. It is recommended to choose easily digestible cooking methods such as steaming and stewing, and prioritize consuming foods rich in small molecule nutrients such as short peptides and medium chain fatty acids. Regularly monitor weight and blood nutritional indicators, and when combined with anemia or vitamin deficiency, strengthen supplementation under the guidance of a nutritionist. Moderate exercise can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, but immediate vigorous activity after meals should be avoided. If the symptoms do not improve after adjusting the diet, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to investigate organic diseases.