A look inside the gut as a clue to nutritional status

Nir Bar, Siham Abdelgani, Simon Lal, Liat Deutsch*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of reviewMalabsorption and malnutrition are common gastrointestinal manifestations clinicians face, requiring diagnostic workup for effective diagnosis and management of the underlying cause. This review discusses recent advances in diagnostic approaches to malabsorption and maldigestion of macronutrients-lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. We highlight underrecognized causes, available testing modalities, and ongoing diagnostic unmet needs.Recent findingsInnovations in the diagnostic landscape are enhancing our understanding of malabsorption syndromes. Stool collection and handling is uncomfortable and commonly avoided. The objective quantification of stool lipids, bile acids, and gut enzymes is therefore underused in the diagnosis and management of common disorders such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid diarrhea, protein-losing enteropathy, and more. We review the recent advancements in spot quantification of stool fat and bile acid content, endoscopic imaging techniques such as endocytoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and optical coherence tomography and the future place in clinical practice.SummaryMalabsorption and maldigestion represent significant challenges in clinical nutrition and gastroenterology. Through the integration of advanced diagnostic techniques, clinicians will be better equipped to tailor therapy and monitor treatment response, ultimately improving patient health outcomes. This review underscores the critical role of innovative diagnostic tools in accurately detecting and effectively managing gastrointestinal disorders linked to nutritional status.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)443-450
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
Volume27
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2024

Keywords

  • bile acid diarrhea
  • exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
  • macronutrients deficiencies
  • malabsorption
  • maldigestion

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A look inside the gut as a clue to nutritional status'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this