Depending on if your baby is exclusively breastfed or formula fed, their poop can range from yellow to green, to pasty and brown. There may be other signs of severe malnutrition, such as edema, rickets, excessive bleeding or bruising, decreased muscle mass, or a "potbelly." A baby may have mucousy poop due to various reasons. But in most cases, green poop is a sign that something isn't quite right with digestion. Fatigue and weakness may accompany malabsorption. Toddlers can be severely affected by fat malabsorption due to their rapid rate of growth. Marlene57 Reducing substances in Stool Sample This is done on the stool of infants or adults. Gastrointestinal malabsorption means a failure to fully absorb digested foods from the gut (bowel) into your body. Primary glucose-galactose malabsorption: This is a rare hereditary disorder of active absorption of glucose and galactose from the small intestine. Contact your pediatrician right away. Malabsorption refers to poor absorption of nutrients by the intestines. A dehydrated baby may pass out a faint metallic smelling poop. What is "Toddler's Diarrhea"? With intolerance. Some babies can get acidic poop from high fruit intake or foods that are high in acid themselves, such as tomato, but in my baby girl's case, it was fructose sensitivity (malabsorption). What is malabsorption? Malabsorption - this happens when the nutrients from the food the baby consumes are not absorbed well in the digestive tractthe causes for this include infection, parasites, and some disorders. . Food allergies, foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, excess saliva production due to teething, a viral infection, and malabsorption of nutrients from breast milk are some of the reasons why babies might have mucousy stools. Alternatively, you'll find healthful options at your health food store. A baby can be infected by the mother during birth; however, the newborn can receive a vaccine to protect it. Pale yellow poop could represent a pancreas problem, a blocked bile duct, or fatty stools from a malabsorption problem such as celiac disease.
Urine has ammonia and can cause a distinct smell when mixed with poop. Symptoms of malabsorption syndrome include gas, bloating, diarrhea, low energy, light colored stool, and anemia. While very rare, some babies are intolerant to lactose because their bodies lack the enzyme (lactase) that digests it. Carbohydrate (lactose or fructose) malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth assessment. Systemic symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, and failure to thrive, are systemic consequences of chronically poor nutrient absorption. Since being gluten-free, it only happens when I get glutened. ~2 hr peak >10-20 ppm of exhaled H2 - suggestive of bacterial overgrowth. Symptoms can include diarrhea and weight loss. Malabsorption can lead to indigestion and even malnutrition not from a lack of eating enough nutrients, but from an inability to absorb them. Your poop says a lot about your health. Fats are essential nutrients needed for energy and growth. This condition's symptoms can include: Diarrhea Oily, foul-smelling stools Poor growth Abdominal distension Belly pain Diaper rashes in babies Who is at risk of developing this condition? Search: Celiac Poop Chart. If your dog's small intestine is preventing the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients from his food, that's intestinal malabsorption. Malabsorption is a condition that occurs when inflammation, disease, or injury prevents the small intestines from sufficiently absorbing nutrients. My baby's poop smells like metal. There are many different causes. A 72-hour stool collection may be ordered for fecal fat measurement; increased fecal fat in the stool collected indicates malabsorption. You see flecks of digested blood that look like poppy or sesame seeds in your baby's poop, especially if you're having breastfeeding difficulties. Breastfed baby . "Toddler's diarrhea," one of the most common causes of persistent diarrhea, is caused by a diet low in fat and high in sugar and fluids (usually from fruit juices). It commonly relates to issues with absorbing fats, sugars, vitamins, minerals, or proteins in the food. A lack of bile in stool Malabsorption can be caused due to celiac disease, any diseases in the gallbladder or liver, lactose intolerance, AIDS or other autoimmune disorders, Whipple disease, excessive growth of bacteria, excess production of gastric acid and damage to the intestine due to injury or surgery or infection . Since your infant is on an all-liquid diet, soft, squishy poops will be the norm for a while. According to a report published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal, pancreatitis can cause malabsorption. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies caused by malabsorption syndrome may cause anemia, cheilosis . Common symptoms include bloating, weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, abdominal discomfort, bad smelling stools, rashes, swollen feet and hands, and nausea and vomiting.
Normal fat absorption depends on age (lower in the neonate) and improves throughout the. The gastrointestinal tract is involved in absorbing nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. 7. Important signs include malodorous stools, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, weight loss, and subnormal growth. Late peak (2-4 hrs) of >10-20 ppm of exhaled H2 - suggestive of malabsorption. A small amount of stool is needed; just 5 grams are enough. Some of the causes of malabsorption include: Cystic fibrosis (the number one cause in the United States) Chronic pancreatitis Lactose intolerance You should always work with your doctor and dietitian. One area gaining interest with those who study FBD is fructose malabsorption, a condition characterized by gas, bloating, discomfort, nausea, disturbed bowel function, and occasionally gastroesophageal reflux ( TABLE 1 ). Causes of steatorrhea are liver that is not healthy, malabsorption diseases, pancreases that have problems. Anemia can be a result of lack of vitamin B12, folate or iron. What is "Toddler's Diarrhea"? Prolonged intestinal malabsorption may cause problems because of a lack of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins that are essential to keep you healthy. A child's ethnic heritage can play a role. 7. This is referred to as steatorrhea . It is also detected by testing the stool for glucose or other sugars like sucrose and starches. Children with short bowel syndrome need lifelong care to get the right nutrition to grow. This condition makes it hard for the body to absorb fluids and nutrients (malabsorption).
When this occurs, the fat content in the stool may increase, which can produce stools that may appear: 2 Frothy Greasy If you're breastfeeding, this doesn't mean you have to stopit just may mean that you have to shift to a dairy-free diet. Sticky stools . You can think of digestion as a three-part process. Allergies and food sensitivities can cause diarrhea or lead to mucus in a baby's poop, though this is uncommon. a condition where insufficient zinc is available for metabolic needs.It is usually nutritional, but can also be associated with malabsorption, acrodermatitis enteropathica, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, malignancy, and other chronic illnesses. Malabsorption can affect growth and development, or it can lead to specific illnesses. A biopsy of the small intestine may be done to assist in differentiating between malabsorption syndrome and small bowel disease. Gastrointestinal Malabsorption. Your baby eats solids and consistently has undigested food in his poop. There may also be excessive fat in your stools, causing them to change in color and become more bulky. For infants or children, the best means of prevention of some of these . A milk allergy occurs when you have a reaction to a milk protein, either whey or casein. Alyssa March 2, . It is terribly abrasive and makes me raw down there. When you are experiencing malabsorption, your body has problems digesting food and taking in nutrients. Stools are difficult to flush and may float or stick to the sides of the toilet bowl. 7. Fructose Malabsorption. Malabsorption is a disorder that occurs when people are unable to absorb nutrients from their diets, such as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, or vitamins. We usually find breastfed babies' poop is more likely to differ in colour, depending on what Mum has eaten, whereas formula fed babies get the same food daily so they may have less poop colour variations. Malabsorption is an umbrella term for a wide range of disorders that affect your ability to absorb nutrients from your food. Pancrealipase is a pancreatic enzyme that helps digest fat. What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Malabsorption? Chalky white or gray baby poop indicates a liver problem, low bile, or lack of nutrient malabsorption, says Dr. Pittman. Food allergies, foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, excess saliva production due to teething, a viral infection, and malabsorption of nutrients from breast milk are some of the reasons why babies might have mucousy stools. Stool is collected for a 3-day period during which the patient consumes 100 g fat/day. Gastrointestinal Malabsorption. Breastfed baby . Symptoms of malabsorption vary depending on the cause, but most often include: Abdominal cramping Bloating and gas Chronic diarrhea Failure to thrive Weight loss It can be caused by food allergies, food intolerances, infections, and digestive diseases. . A cool wipe helps make it feel better. Green poop may simply mean that you're eating lots of leafy greens or other green foods, which is a good thing! As many as 1 out of every 3 children have fructose malabsorption, and the younger the child, the more likely it is a fructose problem - NOT lactose intolerance! The level of quantitative stool fat and the amount of fat intake should be measured and monitored for 3 days. Milk Allergy. Malabsorption is the body's inability to use the food that it takes in, often causing diarrhea. It can be caused by food allergies, food intolerances, infections, and digestive diseases. This involves a person having an autoimmune reaction to consuming gluten, leading to intestines becoming inflamed and other gastrointestinal. Mucousy stools may even lead to a diaper rash. Tarry stools can be an evidence of internal bleeding, as happens with stomach ulcers, while the greasy poop can be a sign of malabsorption issue, like the pancreatitis or even food intolerance. 3 Pancreatitis can also result in: Bouts of cramping abdominal pain after eating. Malabsorption syndrome can lead to major complications, so immediate treatment is always necessary. Anemia or excess bleeding are symptoms of malabsorption. Malabsorption refers to a condition where your body doesn't absorb certain nutrients properly. Grassfed, full-fat yogurt and kefir also provide nutrient-dense options. Mucousy or frothy stools. hepatitis B, or "hep B," is a viral liver infection. Intestinal malabsorption is a common symptom of a number of diseases and conditions, including infections like traveler's diarrhea, lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, endocrine disorders, cystic fibrosis, certain medications, and surgeries or treatments for conditions of the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal malabsorption means a failure to fully absorb digested foods from the gut (bowel) into your body. Your baby has hard pebbly stools in his diaper three or more times. Such foods include eggs, soy, nuts, among others. If your baby has an uncommonly big foul-smell, it could be steatorrhea, which shows a lot of fat in your baby's stool. The Bottom Line
What are the symptoms of malabsorption? The percentage of absorbed fat (fractional fat absorption) can be calculated after determining the mean daily fat intake. Carbohydrate malabsorption is detected by testing a child's stool and finding a pH less than 5.5, which is caused by carbohydrate fermentation from malabsorption. Your baby may be allergic to an animal protein that they are ingesting through your milk or through their formula. Baby poop can be as thick as peanut butter or mushier, like cottage cheese or yogurt. If a baby has frothy poop that is not normal, it could be a sign of sickness or infection such as Giardia or bacterial gastroenteritis. Malabsorption When the nutrients from food are not absorbed well in your baby's digestive tract, your baby's poop can smell acidic. What does malabsorption poop look like? A number of diseases of the intestine, liver and pancreas can lead to this condition. Sensitivity. Types of Baby Poop Other types of baby poop are meconium, dark sticky poop that newborn pass shortly after birth. DKA can contribute sometimes (sweet diarrhea), or someone with really bad breath (like from a draining lung abscess) that goes . Signs and Symptoms Possible signs and symptoms of chronic malabsorption include the following: Persistent abdominal pain and vomiting Frequent, loose, bulky, foul- smelling stools Increased susceptibility to infection Weight loss with the loss of fat and muscle Increase in bruises Bone fractures Dry, scaly skin rashes Personality changes Some . Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of milk allergy. Omega-3s are extremely important for brain development in babies; Fighting inflammation: Omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory, . You may have light-colored, foul-smelling stools that are soft and bulky. In babies that breastfeed, a sudden change in the mother's diet may be the cause . malabsorption develops when malfunction in any of these components leads to failure of absorption of nutrients resulting from a wide variety of causes ( figure 1 and table 1 ), the mechanisms of which can be classified into three groups: (i) maldigestion, which is related to mixing and digestive mediators; (ii) mucosal or mural causes including 6. I notice it when I wipe myself. Bile salts in the stool excreted by the liver give it a normal brown color. Malabsorption Malabsorption refers to decreased intestinal absorption of carbohydrate, protein, fat, minerals or vitamins. Nutrients that the small intestine often has trouble. Total fat in the stool is measured.
It's a sugar that's found in both breast milk and formula. There are many symptoms associated with malabsorption. Learn more about causes, symptoms and natural ways to help your body absorb the nutrients you need. "Over time, the lining becomes damaged and goes flat Daily data were available from 10 patients with NCGS and 5 healthy controls, while from the others some single data missed (on average 1-5 data missed, mainly under normal diet) txt file, which governs the display of the Stats Screen and may be found in the " scenes " ( This guideline covers diagnosing and . Hydrogen breath test. 2. One common malabsorption disorder is celiac disease. Normal baby poop can have a lot of different shades and consistencies. It can be caused by chronic conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or inflammatory bowel disease. Look for naturally fermented sauerkraut and pickles, in the refrigerated section. A baby may have mucousy poop due to various reasons. Gray stools, pale stools, putty or clay colored stools may be seen in hepatitis, gallbladder disorders, or malabsorption conditions. Malabsorption refers to impaired nutrient absorption at any point where nutrients are absorbed, and maldigestion refers to impaired nutrient digestion within the intestinal lumen or at the brush border. If a child's small intestine can't process certain sugars, fats, proteins or vitamins, it can lead to malnutrition. Although severe fat malabsorption (fecal fat 40 g/day) suggests pancreatic insufficiency or small-bowel mucosal disease, this test cannot determine the specific cause of . Other symptoms you may have: Frequent diarrhea Bad-smelling and loose stool Stools that are light in color or bulky Stools. And while form, frequency, and odor are important indicators of bowel function, so is color. Malabsorption syndrome is a condition in which the small intestine isn't able to absorb enough nutrients.
Urine has ammonia and can cause a distinct smell when mixed with poop. Symptoms of malabsorption syndrome include gas, bloating, diarrhea, low energy, light colored stool, and anemia. While very rare, some babies are intolerant to lactose because their bodies lack the enzyme (lactase) that digests it. Carbohydrate (lactose or fructose) malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth assessment. Systemic symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, and failure to thrive, are systemic consequences of chronically poor nutrient absorption. Since being gluten-free, it only happens when I get glutened. ~2 hr peak >10-20 ppm of exhaled H2 - suggestive of bacterial overgrowth. Symptoms can include diarrhea and weight loss. Malabsorption can lead to indigestion and even malnutrition not from a lack of eating enough nutrients, but from an inability to absorb them. Your poop says a lot about your health. Fats are essential nutrients needed for energy and growth. This condition's symptoms can include: Diarrhea Oily, foul-smelling stools Poor growth Abdominal distension Belly pain Diaper rashes in babies Who is at risk of developing this condition? Search: Celiac Poop Chart. If your dog's small intestine is preventing the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients from his food, that's intestinal malabsorption. Malabsorption is a condition that occurs when inflammation, disease, or injury prevents the small intestines from sufficiently absorbing nutrients. My baby's poop smells like metal. There are many different causes. A 72-hour stool collection may be ordered for fecal fat measurement; increased fecal fat in the stool collected indicates malabsorption. You see flecks of digested blood that look like poppy or sesame seeds in your baby's poop, especially if you're having breastfeeding difficulties. Breastfed baby . "Toddler's diarrhea," one of the most common causes of persistent diarrhea, is caused by a diet low in fat and high in sugar and fluids (usually from fruit juices). It commonly relates to issues with absorbing fats, sugars, vitamins, minerals, or proteins in the food. A lack of bile in stool Malabsorption can be caused due to celiac disease, any diseases in the gallbladder or liver, lactose intolerance, AIDS or other autoimmune disorders, Whipple disease, excessive growth of bacteria, excess production of gastric acid and damage to the intestine due to injury or surgery or infection . Since your infant is on an all-liquid diet, soft, squishy poops will be the norm for a while. According to a report published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal, pancreatitis can cause malabsorption. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies caused by malabsorption syndrome may cause anemia, cheilosis . Common symptoms include bloating, weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, abdominal discomfort, bad smelling stools, rashes, swollen feet and hands, and nausea and vomiting.
Normal fat absorption depends on age (lower in the neonate) and improves throughout the. The gastrointestinal tract is involved in absorbing nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. 7. Important signs include malodorous stools, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, weight loss, and subnormal growth. Late peak (2-4 hrs) of >10-20 ppm of exhaled H2 - suggestive of malabsorption. A small amount of stool is needed; just 5 grams are enough. Some of the causes of malabsorption include: Cystic fibrosis (the number one cause in the United States) Chronic pancreatitis Lactose intolerance You should always work with your doctor and dietitian. One area gaining interest with those who study FBD is fructose malabsorption, a condition characterized by gas, bloating, discomfort, nausea, disturbed bowel function, and occasionally gastroesophageal reflux ( TABLE 1 ). Causes of steatorrhea are liver that is not healthy, malabsorption diseases, pancreases that have problems. Anemia can be a result of lack of vitamin B12, folate or iron. What is "Toddler's Diarrhea"? Prolonged intestinal malabsorption may cause problems because of a lack of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins that are essential to keep you healthy. A child's ethnic heritage can play a role. 7. This is referred to as steatorrhea . It is also detected by testing the stool for glucose or other sugars like sucrose and starches. Children with short bowel syndrome need lifelong care to get the right nutrition to grow. This condition makes it hard for the body to absorb fluids and nutrients (malabsorption).
When this occurs, the fat content in the stool may increase, which can produce stools that may appear: 2 Frothy Greasy If you're breastfeeding, this doesn't mean you have to stopit just may mean that you have to shift to a dairy-free diet. Sticky stools . You can think of digestion as a three-part process. Allergies and food sensitivities can cause diarrhea or lead to mucus in a baby's poop, though this is uncommon. a condition where insufficient zinc is available for metabolic needs.It is usually nutritional, but can also be associated with malabsorption, acrodermatitis enteropathica, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, malignancy, and other chronic illnesses. Malabsorption can affect growth and development, or it can lead to specific illnesses. A biopsy of the small intestine may be done to assist in differentiating between malabsorption syndrome and small bowel disease. Gastrointestinal Malabsorption. Your baby eats solids and consistently has undigested food in his poop. There may also be excessive fat in your stools, causing them to change in color and become more bulky. For infants or children, the best means of prevention of some of these . A milk allergy occurs when you have a reaction to a milk protein, either whey or casein. Alyssa March 2, . It is terribly abrasive and makes me raw down there. When you are experiencing malabsorption, your body has problems digesting food and taking in nutrients. Stools are difficult to flush and may float or stick to the sides of the toilet bowl. 7. Fructose Malabsorption. Malabsorption is a disorder that occurs when people are unable to absorb nutrients from their diets, such as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, or vitamins. We usually find breastfed babies' poop is more likely to differ in colour, depending on what Mum has eaten, whereas formula fed babies get the same food daily so they may have less poop colour variations. Malabsorption is an umbrella term for a wide range of disorders that affect your ability to absorb nutrients from your food. Pancrealipase is a pancreatic enzyme that helps digest fat. What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Malabsorption? Chalky white or gray baby poop indicates a liver problem, low bile, or lack of nutrient malabsorption, says Dr. Pittman. Food allergies, foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, excess saliva production due to teething, a viral infection, and malabsorption of nutrients from breast milk are some of the reasons why babies might have mucousy stools. Stool is collected for a 3-day period during which the patient consumes 100 g fat/day. Gastrointestinal Malabsorption. Breastfed baby . Symptoms of malabsorption vary depending on the cause, but most often include: Abdominal cramping Bloating and gas Chronic diarrhea Failure to thrive Weight loss It can be caused by food allergies, food intolerances, infections, and digestive diseases. . A cool wipe helps make it feel better. Green poop may simply mean that you're eating lots of leafy greens or other green foods, which is a good thing! As many as 1 out of every 3 children have fructose malabsorption, and the younger the child, the more likely it is a fructose problem - NOT lactose intolerance! The level of quantitative stool fat and the amount of fat intake should be measured and monitored for 3 days. Milk Allergy. Malabsorption is the body's inability to use the food that it takes in, often causing diarrhea. It can be caused by food allergies, food intolerances, infections, and digestive diseases. This involves a person having an autoimmune reaction to consuming gluten, leading to intestines becoming inflamed and other gastrointestinal. Mucousy stools may even lead to a diaper rash. Tarry stools can be an evidence of internal bleeding, as happens with stomach ulcers, while the greasy poop can be a sign of malabsorption issue, like the pancreatitis or even food intolerance. 3 Pancreatitis can also result in: Bouts of cramping abdominal pain after eating. Malabsorption syndrome can lead to major complications, so immediate treatment is always necessary. Anemia or excess bleeding are symptoms of malabsorption. Malabsorption refers to a condition where your body doesn't absorb certain nutrients properly. Grassfed, full-fat yogurt and kefir also provide nutrient-dense options. Mucousy or frothy stools. hepatitis B, or "hep B," is a viral liver infection. Intestinal malabsorption is a common symptom of a number of diseases and conditions, including infections like traveler's diarrhea, lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, endocrine disorders, cystic fibrosis, certain medications, and surgeries or treatments for conditions of the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal malabsorption means a failure to fully absorb digested foods from the gut (bowel) into your body. Your baby has hard pebbly stools in his diaper three or more times. Such foods include eggs, soy, nuts, among others. If your baby has an uncommonly big foul-smell, it could be steatorrhea, which shows a lot of fat in your baby's stool. The Bottom Line
What are the symptoms of malabsorption? The percentage of absorbed fat (fractional fat absorption) can be calculated after determining the mean daily fat intake. Carbohydrate malabsorption is detected by testing a child's stool and finding a pH less than 5.5, which is caused by carbohydrate fermentation from malabsorption. Your baby may be allergic to an animal protein that they are ingesting through your milk or through their formula. Baby poop can be as thick as peanut butter or mushier, like cottage cheese or yogurt. If a baby has frothy poop that is not normal, it could be a sign of sickness or infection such as Giardia or bacterial gastroenteritis. Malabsorption When the nutrients from food are not absorbed well in your baby's digestive tract, your baby's poop can smell acidic. What does malabsorption poop look like? A number of diseases of the intestine, liver and pancreas can lead to this condition. Sensitivity. Types of Baby Poop Other types of baby poop are meconium, dark sticky poop that newborn pass shortly after birth. DKA can contribute sometimes (sweet diarrhea), or someone with really bad breath (like from a draining lung abscess) that goes . Signs and Symptoms Possible signs and symptoms of chronic malabsorption include the following: Persistent abdominal pain and vomiting Frequent, loose, bulky, foul- smelling stools Increased susceptibility to infection Weight loss with the loss of fat and muscle Increase in bruises Bone fractures Dry, scaly skin rashes Personality changes Some . Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of milk allergy. Omega-3s are extremely important for brain development in babies; Fighting inflammation: Omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory, . You may have light-colored, foul-smelling stools that are soft and bulky. In babies that breastfeed, a sudden change in the mother's diet may be the cause . malabsorption develops when malfunction in any of these components leads to failure of absorption of nutrients resulting from a wide variety of causes ( figure 1 and table 1 ), the mechanisms of which can be classified into three groups: (i) maldigestion, which is related to mixing and digestive mediators; (ii) mucosal or mural causes including 6. I notice it when I wipe myself. Bile salts in the stool excreted by the liver give it a normal brown color. Malabsorption Malabsorption refers to decreased intestinal absorption of carbohydrate, protein, fat, minerals or vitamins. Nutrients that the small intestine often has trouble. Total fat in the stool is measured.
It's a sugar that's found in both breast milk and formula. There are many symptoms associated with malabsorption. Learn more about causes, symptoms and natural ways to help your body absorb the nutrients you need. "Over time, the lining becomes damaged and goes flat Daily data were available from 10 patients with NCGS and 5 healthy controls, while from the others some single data missed (on average 1-5 data missed, mainly under normal diet) txt file, which governs the display of the Stats Screen and may be found in the " scenes " ( This guideline covers diagnosing and . Hydrogen breath test. 2. One common malabsorption disorder is celiac disease. Normal baby poop can have a lot of different shades and consistencies. It can be caused by chronic conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or inflammatory bowel disease. Look for naturally fermented sauerkraut and pickles, in the refrigerated section. A baby may have mucousy poop due to various reasons. Gray stools, pale stools, putty or clay colored stools may be seen in hepatitis, gallbladder disorders, or malabsorption conditions. Malabsorption refers to impaired nutrient absorption at any point where nutrients are absorbed, and maldigestion refers to impaired nutrient digestion within the intestinal lumen or at the brush border. If a child's small intestine can't process certain sugars, fats, proteins or vitamins, it can lead to malnutrition. Although severe fat malabsorption (fecal fat 40 g/day) suggests pancreatic insufficiency or small-bowel mucosal disease, this test cannot determine the specific cause of . Other symptoms you may have: Frequent diarrhea Bad-smelling and loose stool Stools that are light in color or bulky Stools. And while form, frequency, and odor are important indicators of bowel function, so is color. Malabsorption syndrome is a condition in which the small intestine isn't able to absorb enough nutrients.