Is Malabsorption Permanent?

[von]

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed celiac in 2015 after a doctor looked into malabsorption problems as I was very low in various nutrients (iron, B12, D3). I have been on a gluten free diet since then but I’m still struggling with these deficiencies. I don’t want to have to be on supplements forever and it seems even though I take them consistently I’m still low. Is malabsorption a permanent effect of celiac?

[GFinDC]

Hi Von,

Malabsorption shouldn't be permanent.  After healing your gut should absorb nutrients ok.  But it may be possible that some of us burn certain nutrients faster than other people too.  Possibly because of genetics or possibly because of immune issues or the healing process.

I was low on vitamin D for many years after going gluten-free.  A doctor did put me on 50K IU of vitamin D weekly but that didn't seem to help.  What did seem to help was taking a 1000 IU D pill daily.  Also taking some boron daily.  Boron works with D on regulating calcium in the bones.  Check the vitamin D council website for info D.  Also lab door site has comparisons of D brands.  Nature Made is a good brand of D and not hard to find.  Some brands of D pills are not good.

I am not sure if I was low on B-12 or not.  But I take B-12 several times a week because celiacs can be low on the B vitamins.

You can look into getting an iron fish or Lucky Fish to help your iron levels.  You put the iron fish in your soup or rice water or whatever you are cooking to add a little iron.

Trace minerals can be helpful also.

[Awol cast iron stomach]

I have to watch my vitamin D, the B's, and magnesium. As DC says a lot of busy/physical activity can run my b's down and around my cycle my body seems to need more b's and magnesium.  Before diagnosis I was deficient in D.

[RMJ]

Have your villi healed?  Are your antibody levels normal?  

[pikakegirl]

I found I had a problem with D3 from sheep/lanolin which most are made from. I now use Bluebonnet fish sourced D3. Also I am not converting folic acid, K2, B6  or B12 so I get the l-methyl folate, menoquinane K2 , p5p b6 and methylcobalamin b12 instead and they are show high in my bloodwork now.

[cyclinglady]

Have you had follow-up testing?  Is your celiac disease still flaring/simmering?  You should try to find out if celiac disease is the cause of your current malabsorption issues or if you have another illness.  If you have been strictly gluten free, you should have healed by now.  Please see your doctor.