{"id":55698,"date":"2023-11-16T20:47:40","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T20:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=55698"},"modified":"2025-07-09T15:36:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T15:36:01","slug":"malnutrition-across-gi-conditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/malnutrition-across-gi-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Malnutrition Across GI Conditions\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our incredible gastrointestinal (GI) tract is like the unsung hero of our body! It&#8217;s responsible for the magical journey of digestion, absorption, and excretion. It&#8217;s quite a performer, running the show from &#8220;gum to bum&#8221; \u2013 that&#8217;s from your mouth all the way down to your anus, making sure everything runs smoothly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, sometimes our GI tract faces challenges. In certain GI disorders, it might encounter a few roadblocks that can lead to malnutrition. These roadblocks can be due to structural hiccups, like physical damage to the gut, or sometimes, functional causes where the tract doesn\u2019t operate properly.\u00a0Poor management of inflammatory bowel disease (i.e., <a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/ibd-crohns-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crohn\u2019s disease<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/ibd-crohns-disease\/\"> <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/ibd-ulcerative-colitis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ulcerative colitis<\/a>), celiac disease, gastroparesis, and diverticulitis can result in malnutrition \u2013 when your body receives an inadequate supply of nutrients and can lead to deficiencies. In this article we walk you through each of these GI conditions and discuss how they relate to malnutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More of a visual learner? Download our <a href=\"#info\">infographic<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inflammatory Bowel Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With <a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inflammatory bowel diseases<\/a> (IBD) like Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), it is reported that between 20-85% of individuals develop malnutrition because these disorders are chronic (life-long) and have the potential to relapse<sub><sup>1<\/sup><\/sub>. This relapse is characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI tract and if untreated, can cause permanent damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crohn\u2019s disease can impact any area of the GI tract, but most commonly affects the end of the small intestine, right before the start of the large intestine<sup>2<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In UC, inflammation occurs in the large intestine<s>\u00a0<\/s>and\/or the rectum<sup>2<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference between the two is that in Crohn\u2019s, the inflammation may reach through multiple layers of the walls of the GI tract, whereas in UC, the inflammation is only found in the innermost layer of the colon lining<sup>2<\/sup>. Crohn\u2019s disease may be characterized by patchy areas of inflammation whereas UC may be more continuous<sup>3<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Damage to these areas of the GI tract can cause malabsorption, making it difficult for your body to take in proteins, fats, carbohydrates\/sugars, vitamins, and minerals. The severity of malabsorption is determined by how much and where the small intestine is impacted, as this is where the majority of nutrient absorption takes place. If significant parts of the small intestine are inflamed or resected, the greater the influence on nutritional status. If it impacts the final third of the small intestine (called the ileum), the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble vitamin B12 would likely be affected<sup>4<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crohn&#8217;s Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individuals with UC may present with fewer or less severe nutritional deficiencies. However, GI issues like diarrhea and\/or blood loss can cause weight loss and anemia. Typically, malnutrition is more commonly associated with Crohn\u2019s disease than UC\u00a0<sup>5<\/sup>. For individuals who have had repeated cycles of inflammation and healing along the intestinal lining, scar tissue can build up and cause a stricture. Strictures narrows the passage where digested food travels and may lead to a blockage. High-fibre foods can get stuck in the narrowed areas and cause pain, bloating, nausea, and the inability to pass stool\u00a0<sup>5<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thus, some individuals may be recommended to adhere to a low fibre\/low residue or liquid diet to lessen symptom severity and allow food to pass comfortably through the narrowed area<sup>6<\/sup>. Medications may also be used to reduce inflammation. Surgery is another option to help remove or repair the stricture.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/managing-malnutrition-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55699 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/managing-malnutrition-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55699\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms across both GI conditions may present similarly. Severe <a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/diarrhea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diarrhea<\/a> can cause dehydration and electrolyte losses (sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc) and can lead to weight loss from malabsorption. Abdominal pain and nausea may reduce your appetite to eat, making it challenging to take in adequate calories and nutrients. The development of ulcers in the intestines may lead to rectal bleeding, which can also lead to iron deficiency or anemia<sup>5<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Limiting intake to lesson symptoms of diarrhea or bowel movements also increases risk of malnutrition and unintentional weight loss. Certain medications used to treat inflammation in IBD may alter your nutritional status (i.e., methotrexate and sulfasalazine) by decreasing folic acid absorption<sup>5<\/sup>. Taking a folic acid supplement may be necessary to replace the extra loss of folate.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IBD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the exact pathogenesis of IBD is not known, it is now recognized that IBD is a result of a weakened immune system<sup>2<\/sup>. Its cause has been linked to an incorrect immune response to an environmental trigger(s) (such as bacteria, dietary factors, or a virus) and\/or genetic predisposition<sup>\u00a02<\/sup>. Although IBD is not entirely linked to diet, the food we eat plays a crucial role in IBD management and can help achieve remission, lessen symptoms, and optimize nutritional status. Consider minimizing intake of trigger foods that cause unwanted GI symptoms and inflammation<sup>7<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/what-can-you-drink-on-the-low-fodmap-diet\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/what-can-you-drink-on-the-low-fodmap-diet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">low-FODMAP<\/a> (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet may be recommended by your dietitian. This diet cuts out a specific group of carbohydrates that may be poorly absorbed by the GI tract. These may be foods that contain fructose, lactose, sugar alcohols (sorbitol and mannitol), fructans, and galacto-oligosaccharides<sup>8<\/sup>. Although this diet was originally developed for those who have irritable bowel syndrome, a functional digestive disorder, it has also gained attention for symptom management in IBD. The low FODMAP diet helps reduce symptoms and better understand triggers through elimination, reintroduction, and adaptive phases, and is not meant for long-term use\u00a0<sup>8<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IBD may also be managed by other diets that focus on reducing severity of inflammation by regulating gut bacterial balance with certain foods (i.e., anti-inflammatory diet or IBD-AID, autoimmune protocol diet or AIP, Crohn\u2019s Disease Exclusion Diet)<sup>8<\/sup>. Risk of malnutrition is high with restrictive diets, so it is highly recommended to seek help from a registered dietitian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Celiac Disease&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that affects your small intestine and prevents nutrients from being absorbed. Eating products with gluten causes an immune response, damaging the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)<sup>9<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a microscopic level, the presence of gluten triggers your immune system to damage<s>\u00a0<\/s>villi, which are small, finger-like projections<s>\u00a0<\/s>that line your small intestines. The primary role of villi is to transport food nutrients from the inside of the small intestine into the blood<sup>9<\/sup>. If the villi are destroyed, then nutrients cannot be absorbed and the risk of malnutrition increases<sup>10<\/sup>. Iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency anemia, and osteoporosis are some of the commonly seen malabsorption conditions<sup>11<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iron, vitamin D, and zinc deficiency may present more often in newly diagnosed celiac patients or in untreated individuals with celiac disease<sup>11<\/sup>. It is best to monitor patients for their calcium, iron, magnesium, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, zinc, and copper. Complications of celiac disease may extend to include joint pain, seizures, thinning bones, and cancer.<sup>9<\/sup>\u00a0Following a lifelong gluten-free diet is currently the best practice for those living with celiac disease<sup>12<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gluten-free Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A gluten-free diet means avoiding most grains, pastas, cereals, and processed foods. To ensure adherence to this diet, it is important to read ingredient lists on foods. Food labels may not explicitly list gluten as an ingredient, so it is valuable to know ingredients that also contain gluten. Examples of this include: einkorn, spelt, wheat bran, wheat starch, wheat germ, cracked wheat, kamut, and hydrolyzed wheat protein<sup>9<\/sup>. Emulsifiers such as dextrin, mono- and di-glycerides, seasonings, and caramel colours may contain gluten<sup>9<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always check food labels including beer, bouillon cubes, candy, brown rice syrup, chips, cold cuts, deli meats, fries, gravy, imitation fish, matzo, rice mixes sauces, seasonings, soups, and sauces. Have your pharmacist check to ensure your medications do not contain gluten as it may sometimes be used as an additive in medications. Gluten may also be found in herbal supplements, vitamins, probiotics, and in other natural health products. Gluten can also be in topical items like lip balms, lipsticks, and toothpaste.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gastroparesis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gastroparesis is a disorder that is characterized by delayed gastric emptying. The movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine is slowed or stopped even without a blockage in the GI tract<sup>4<\/sup>. Although there may be many possible causes of gastroparesis, diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases known to cause this issue<sup>4<\/sup>. Other possible causes of gastroparesis may include any damage to the vagus nerve hypothyroidism, scleroderma, some autoimmune disorders, nervous system disorders (i.e., Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis), and, or viral infections in the stomach<sup>4<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certain medications may also cause delayed gastric emptying or affect the movement of food, giving a sensation that feels like gastroparesis. Therefore, it is best to have your medications reviewed by a pharmacist. Signs and symptoms of gastroparesis may include early satiety, prolonged satiety, nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, upper abdominal pain, heart burn, reflux, and poor appetite<sup>4<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gastroparesis can be managed with dietary interventions to prevent the onset of malnutrition and dehydration. You may be asked to consume foods lower in fat and fibre, eat smaller and more frequent meals, chew your food thoroughly, consume well-cooked soft foods, avoid carbonated drinks\/ alcohol, and drink plenty of fluids containing electrolytes and glucose (i.e., oral rehydration solutions, sports drinks, naturally sweetened low-fibre fruit\/vegetable juices, low-fat broths\/clear soups)<sup>4<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multivitamins may also be recommended to meet any gaps in micronutrient intake. In cases where oral intake cannot be tolerated, tube feeding, parenteral or intravenous (IV) nutrition may be provided to support nutritional needs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diverticulitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diverticulitis is a disease that happens when small pockets in the inside of your large intestine, called diverticula, become inflammed<sup>13<\/sup>. Inflammation from a tear in the colon lining or from an infection can cause severe pain, distended abdomen, a palpable colon, nausea and vomiting, rectal bleeding, fever, constipation, and sometimes diarrhea<sup>13<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inflammation may impair the absorption of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Inadequate electrolyte absorption can impact one\u2019s fluid balance, the body\u2019s pH level, and whether nutrients are moved into the cells and wastes out of the cells<sup>14<\/sup>. It may also impair the colon\u2019s ability to produce B and K vitamins via fermentation by colonic bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production may be challenged in the case of diverticulitis since fibre fermentation in the colon can also be impaired<sup>15<\/sup>. SCFAs are used in your intestines for energy, used to reduce inflammation, to absorb minerals, and aid in metabolism among some of its key functions<sup>15<\/sup>. Medications can be used to treat infection and inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GI rest is often recommended as well to heal the gut. For good gut maintenance, your diet should include adequate fibre so that stools can bulk up to transit easily out through the colon. Fibre helps to reduce incidences of diverticulitis flares. Current fibre recommendations are for females to consume 25 grams of fibre and for males consume 38 grams of fibre daily<sup>16<\/sup>. Contrary to previous recommendations, recent research on fibre and diverticulosis and diverticulitis have found that foods like popcorn, nuts, seeds, and fruits\/vegetables with seeds do not cause a problem<sup>13<\/sup>. However, you may want to avoid these foods if you find they trigger your symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Managing Malnutrition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"info\">Moderate to severe malnutrition may require the use of invasive feeding procedures like tube-feeding or IV nutrition support\u00a0<sup>5,17<\/sup>. These procedures provide quick delivery of essential nutrients the body requires for survival, while allowing the gut to rest and heal. Those with the capacity to take foods orally may want to focus on calorically and nutrient-dense foods to restore macro- and micro-nutrient imbalances and weight restoration if significant weight loss has occurred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Testing and Nutrition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"info\">Bloodwork can be used to monitor for refeeding syndrome, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies that require additional supplementation on top of the existing diet<sup>18<\/sup>. IV therapy and\/or oral rehydration solutions may be considered if fluid and electrolyte imbalances persist. If appetite is limited, consideration for smaller, more frequent meals or snacks can be included. Nutrition supplements may also be used if meal intake is poor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"info\">A registered dietitian can provide individualized guidance to help you optimize your nutrition while managing your GI symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Malnutrition-Across-Gastrointestinal-Conditions-791x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55701 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Malnutrition-Across-Gastrointestinal-Conditions-791x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55701\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"gap: 20px\" class=\"align-button-center ub-buttons orientation-button-row ub-flex-wrap wp-block-ub-button\" id=\"ub-button-259ce2aa-d8dc-4201-8fe8-6c6882ca86ca\"><div class=\"ub-button-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Malnutrition-Across-Gastrointestinal-Conditions.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"ub-button-block-main   ub-button-flex\" role=\"button\" style=\"--ub-button-background-color: #313131; --ub-button-color: #ffffff; --ub-button-border: none; --ub-button-hover-background-color: #313131; --ub-button-hover-color: #ffffff; --ub-button-hover-border: none; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 10px;; border-top-right-radius: 10px;; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px;; border-bottom-right-radius: 10px;; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub-button-content-holder\" style=\"flex-direction: row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub-button-block-btn\">Download the Malnutrition Across GI Conditions infographic!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>References:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. Balestrieri, P., Ribolsi, M., Guarino, M.P.L., Emerenziani, S., Altomare, A., &amp; Cicala, M. (2020).\u00a0Nutritional aspects in inflammatory bowel diseases. Nutrients, 12(2), 372.\u00a0https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/nu12020372<br>2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 13). What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion \u2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\u00a0<a href=\"about:blank#:~:text=The%20exact%20cause%20of%20IBD,to%20be%20a%20genetic%20component\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ibd\/what-is-IBD.htm#:~:text=The%20exact%20cause%20of%20IBD,to%20be%20a%20genetic%20component<\/a><br>3.\u00a0Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation. (2023). Overview of Crohn\u2019s Disease. The Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/what-is-crohns-disease\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/what-is-crohns-disease\/overview<\/a><br>4.National Institutes of Health (2023). Gastroparesis.\u00a0<a href=\"about:blank#:~:text=Gastroparesis%2C%20also%20called%20delayed%20gastric,in%20the%20stomach%20or%20intestines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/gastroparesis#:~:text=Gastroparesis%2C%20also%20called%20delayed%20gastric,in%20the%20stomach%20or%20intestines<\/a>.<br>5.Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation. (2023). Malnutrition and IBD. The Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/diet-and-nutrition\/malnutrition-and-ibd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/diet-and-nutrition\/malnutrition-and-ibd<\/a><br>6. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. (2023). Low-fiber diet. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.\u00a0https:\/\/www.mountsinai.org\/health-library\/selfcare-instructions\/low-fiber-diet#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20an%20intestinal,for%20help%20with%20meal%20planning7. Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation. (2023). What Should I Eat? The Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/diet-and-nutrition\/what-should-i-eat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/diet-and-nutrition\/what-should-i-eat<\/a><br>8. Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation. (2023). Special IBD Diets. The Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation.\u00a0<a href=\"about:blank\">https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/diet-and-nutrition\/special-ibd-diets#:~:text=Low%20FODMAP%20The%20Low%20FODMAP,been%20shown%20to%20reduce%20inflammation<\/a>.<br>9. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Dietary Changes for Celiac Disease. The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and John Hopkins Health System.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/celiac-disease\/dietary-changes-for-celiac-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/celiac-disease\/dietary-changes-for-celiac-disease<\/a><br>10. Nemours Children\u2019s Health. (2022, August). Digestive System. Nemours KidsHealth.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/digestive.html#:~:text=This%20long%20tube%20of%20organs,(about%209%20meters)%20long\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/digestive.html#:~:text=This%20long%20tube%20of%20organs,(about%209%20meters)%20long<\/a>.<br>11.\u00a0Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre. (2022). Common nutrient deficiencies in people with newly diagnosed\/ untreated celiac disease.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidmc.org\/centers-and-departments\/digestive-disease-center\/services-and-programs\/celiac-center\/celiacnow\/nutrition-and-the-gluten-free-diet\/nutritional-considerations-on-the-gluten-free-diet\/common-nutritional-deficiencies-in-people-with-celiac-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bidmc.org\/centers-and-departments\/digestive-disease-center\/services-and-programs\/celiac-center\/celiacnow\/nutrition-and-the-gluten-free-diet\/nutritional-considerations-on-the-gluten-free-diet\/common-nutritional-deficiencies-in-people-with-celiac-disease<\/a><br>12.\u00a0Celiac Disease Foundation. (n.d.). Treatment and Follow Up.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/celiac.org\/about-celiac-disease\/treatment-and-follow-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/celiac.org\/about-celiac-disease\/treatment-and-follow-up\/<\/a><br>13. Gordon, B. (2023, January 10). Diverticulitis. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatright.org\/health\/health-conditions\/digestive-and-gastrointestinal\/diverticulitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.eatright.org\/health\/health-conditions\/digestive-and-gastrointestinal\/diverticulitis<\/a><br>14. National Institutes of Health (2016, June 20). Fluid and Electrolyte Balance. National Library of Medicine (NIH).\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html#:~:text=Electrolytes%20are%20important%20because%20they,Move%20nutrients%20into%20your%20cells\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html#:~:text=Electrolytes%20are%20important%20because%20they,Move%20nutrients%20into%20your%20cells<\/a><br>15.\u00a0Braun, A. (2022, March 17). What are short-chain fatty acids? Verywell Health.<br>16.Health Canada. (2019, January 22). Fiber. Health Canada.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/nutrients\/fibre.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/nutrients\/fibre.html<\/a><br>17. Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation. (2023). Nutritional Support Therapy. The Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/diet-and-nutrition\/nutritional-support-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/diet-and-nutrition\/nutritional-support-therapy<\/a><br>18. Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation. (2017). General Nutritional Considerations for IBD Patients. The Crohn\u2019s &amp; Colitis Foundation.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/sites\/default\/files\/legacy\/science-and-professionals\/nutrition-resource-\/nutrition-fact-sheet-for.pdf\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/sites\/default\/files\/legacy\/science-and-professionals\/nutrition-resource-\/nutrition-fact-sheet-for.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org\/sites\/default\/files\/legacy\/science-and-professionals\/nutrition-resource-\/nutrition-fact-sheet-for.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our incredible gastrointestinal (GI) tract is like the unsung hero of our body! It&#8217;s responsible for the magical journey of digestion, absorption, and excretion. It&#8217;s quite a performer, running the show from &#8220;gum to bum&#8221; \u2013 that&#8217;s from your mouth all the way down to your anus, making sure everything runs smoothly.&nbsp; Now, sometimes our [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":55707,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[12,49],"class_list":["post-55698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","tag-diet-and-nutrition","tag-tags-gastroparesis"],"acf":{"article_writer":[696]},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/managing-malnutrition-across-gi-conditions.webp","author_info":{"display_name":"Sophie Allan","author_link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/author\/sophie-allen\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Malnutrition Across GI Conditions\u00a0 - Canadian Digestive Health Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Malnutrition can occur as a result of inflammatory bowel conditions such as Cronh&#039;s disease or celiac disease. 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