Short Bowel Syndrome & Malabsorption Overview

Conditions that may lead to malnutrition and growth challenges

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) usually occurs when a large portion of the small intestine and/or colon is removed (resected). Sometimes, children are born with a small intestine that doesn’t work like it should. With a shortened bowel, a person has trouble absorbing enough nutrients, called “malabsorption.” Malabsorption is a condition that can cause malnutrition and poor growth.

Malabsorption can also be part of other allergic and gastrointestinal conditions.

WHAT IS SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME?

WHAT IS SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME?

Short bowel syndrome is just what it sounds like: a type of intestinal failure that occurs when the bowel has been shortened, often by surgery. It is a serious condition as the remaining gut is not long enough or able to absorb all the nutrition your child needs to grow. The remaining small bowel can often adapt, but this takes time. Having a shortened small bowel that doesn't function normally can result in malabsorption, dehydration, and intolerance of normal nutrition. Neocate is designed to be easily digested and absorbed, and can be part of the management.

WHAT IS MALABSORPTION?

WHAT IS MALABSORPTION?

Malabsorption is the inability to properly absorb nutrients from the gut. There are different types of malabsorption with a variety of causes. Digestive infections, food allergies, certain medications and intestinal surgery can all cause malabsorption. Depending on the cause, the gut may have a limited ability to handle specific nutrients.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME & MALABSORPTION?

WHO IS AFFECTED BY SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME & MALABSORPTION?

SBS usually happens in early infancy. While it is most common in infancy, SBS can also occur later in life. Because SBS has many possible causes, it is hard to know how many babies and children are affected by it.

Get More Details on SBS & Malabsorption

SYMPTOMS

What are the signs and symptoms you should expect with short bowel syndrome and/ or malabsorption? Find out.

CAUSES

How do babies get short bowel syndrome and/or malabsorption? Learn more.

DIAGNOSIS

What tests are used to evaluate this medical condition? Read more.

DIET/MANAGEMENT

Your child has short bowel syndrome and/or malabsorption. Now what?

Advocacy Groups

GIKids

Provides information for kids and parents on digestive and nutritional disorders, including short bowel syndrome. This
site provides easy-to-understand information about the management of pediatric digestive conditions. Learn how they
are diagnosed, research the treatment and management, and explore the patient and parent resources.

Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation and The Oley Foundation

It's not unusual for people with short bowel syndrome to have feeding tubes. These are two great
resources for "tubies."

Short Bowel Syndrome & Malabsorption Products

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which Neocate products are right for you.

Neocate^® Infant DHA/ARA

Neocate® Infant is the original hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula, designed for food-allergic infants.

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Guides Recipes Preparation

Neocate^® Nutra

The first and only hypoallergenic, amino acid-based, solid food. Pudding style consistency, ideal for spoon feeding.

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Guides Recipes Preparation

Neocate^® Junior

The only hypoallergenic formula that is available with or without prebiotic fiber to help support digestive health and specifically designed to address the growing nutritional and lifestyle needs of toddlers and older children. Available in: Unflavored, Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate and Tropical.

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Guides Recipes Preparation

Neocate^® Splash

The first and only ready-to-feed hypoallergenic formula designed to address the growing nutritional and lifestyle needs of toddlers, older children and teens. Available in: Unflavored, Orange-Pineapple, Grape, and Tropical.

Learn More

Guides Recipes Preparation

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Short Bowel Syndrome & Malabsorption Overview

Conditions that may lead to malnutrition and growth challenges

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