Fat Malabsorbtion

[thegirlsmom]

I recently went to a homeopathic Dr to see if she had any thoughts on my Alopecia Areata, which is hair falling out in patches. She did a bunch of tests including a food sensitivity test and a stool test. The stool test came back showing that there was fat malabsorbtion in my digestive tract which she said indicated celiac. I have been Gluten free since the beginning of the year and it has changed my system in so many good ways including hormones, regularity, no irritability, no anxiety, lots of energy etc. I feel so much better and have no desire to go back on gluten and with the rate of failure of the celiac test(not to mention our insurance won't cover it) I have not pursued further testing.

But here's my question: Are there other reason's that I could have fat malabsorbtion, and should I do further tests to confirm celiac? Or is fat malabsorbtion in the stool and my body's postive reaction a good enough indicator which needs no other proof?

FYI: She recommended that I go off dairy too and since my hair is growing back.

[gluten free overseas]

A lot of us are sensitive to other foods--looks like you are eliminating dairy too. I'm off gluten, corn, soy, dairy, and eggs. You might have to keep experimenting until you find out if something else is bothering you.

I had some trouble with fat because my gallbladder failed me--I had to have it removed. That may not be in your case, but my advice is to have everything checked out carefully if you are having continuing health problems.

[AVR1962]

Did they run and tests for your gallbladder? If the gallbladder is failing a person will have trouble with fats and meat. A family member had theirs removed for this reason. However, when the villa in the intestines is effected by gluten one of the problems that can occur besides a dairy intolerance is a fat malabsortion. Once the villa mend this should not be an issue. I would first try the gluten-free diet and see if there is improvement, if so that is your answer. If though you find yourself not getting better this would be something to check.

[Roda]

A couple of things come to mind:

-could you be getting gluten cc from somewhere?(I get fat malabsorption wwhen this happens)

-have your gallbladder evaulated by ultrasound and if that is negative then a HIDA scan

-pancreatic insufficiency