Low Protein In Blood Work - Malabsorption Syndrome?

[daisymae106]

Hey Everyone!

 

Wow, I haven't posted on here in a while, but I am always searching topics to see what all you smart people are saying! I had my check up with my GI doc yesterday, this marks 3 years post celiac disease diagnosis in 2011. I'm doing great, feeling better than ever before, although coping with new issues, i.e. thyroid nodules resulting in low thyroid, low iron, etc. Anyway, I have noticed just in the past few months that my blood work has come back with low protein levels.  I'm trying to figure out if this is just a casual, non issue and I just need to eat more protein, or if this points to a malabsorption problem, more specifically, malabsorption syndrome? I've never heard of this before, I have always known that celiacs aren't able to absorb nutrients, but I have never heard of "malabsorption syndrome." Doesn't a celiac's ability to absorb nutrients get better once you go on the gluten-free diet? My other bloodwork all came back great, and shows great results (low celiac antibodies) from being on the gluten-free diet. Just curious if any of you have ever had low protein levels in your blood? I'm not sure if this is just a diet issue, or if I am eating enough protein but it is not being absorbed? Any thoughts appreciated....

 

God Bless!

[GF Lover]

Hi DaisyMae,

 

I have a history of low protein levels also and it does not seem to be related to absorption levels as I have no other deficiencies.  Newly diagnosed folks may present with malabsorption but as the body heals those issues correct themselves.  I keep an eye on my protein level but the low number is consistent and is of no immediate concern unless it would change even lower.  As long as you monitor it for any changes you should be fine.  I do eat peanut butter and hard boiled eggs as snacks for extra protein.  Lastly, make sure your Dr. is ok with the protein level and follow any advice he/she may have as all cases are different.

 

Colleen

[1desperateladysaved]

I had mal-absorption remaining for months.  However, my levels went up after beginning a digestive enzyme supplement and removing foods I didn't tolerate.  Sometimes you need nutrients to heal, and you need to heal to get the nutrients.

[daisymae106]

Thank you both so much for your replies! It is so encouraging to hear from others who are dealing with the same thing! Thank you again!!