Malabsorption Syndrome: 4 Warning Signs and How to Diagnose It

If you're eating enough but still losing weight, feeling tired, bloated, or having loose, greasy stools, it could be a sign that your body isn't absorbing nutrients well. In particular, unintentional weight loss of more than 5% within a few months is a concerning level and should be medically checked. Malabsorption syndrome occurs when the small intestine is damaged or diseased, leading to a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the body, even if the diet remains unchanged.

In this article, Tiptory helps you recognize the signs of malabsorption, understand the process of diagnosing malabsorption, and know when to seek medical attention to find the right cause and treat it early, preventing prolonged malnutrition.

Part 1: Easily recognizable signs of malabsorption

Sign 1: Recognizing the risk of malabsorption

Checking the ability to digest food

• The body needs digestive enzymes to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates before absorption. If the pancreas or intestines do not produce enough enzymes, the risk of malabsorption can increase.

• People who frequently have greasy stools, bloating, or lose weight despite eating normally should consult a doctor for evaluation.

Reviewing gastrointestinal diseases

• Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, inflammation, or intestinal infections can damage the small intestinal lining, making it difficult for nutrients to enter the body.

• Congenital abnormalities or structural problems of the intestines can also increase the risk of malabsorption syndrome.

• A history of HIV, cancer, or chronic liver disease should be fully disclosed when undergoing malabsorption diagnosis.

Noting liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases

• The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are directly involved in the digestive process, especially fat digestion. Diseases of these organs can cause fat malabsorption and deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and K.

• Common signs include pale or greasy stools, foul odor, jaundice, weight loss, and persistent fatigue.

Assessing surgical or radiation history

• Surgical removal of a portion of the small intestine reduces the absorption area and can lead to short bowel syndrome. This is a significant cause of post-surgical malabsorption.

• Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis can damage the intestinal lining. People who have undergone cancer treatment should inform their doctor of the time, location, and radiation regimen received.

Reviewing current medications

• Some medications can affect digestion, gut microbiota, or nutrient absorption. The risk depends on the type of medication, dosage, and duration of treatment.

• Provide your doctor with a complete list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, laxatives, and supplements you are taking.

• Do not stop antibiotics or medications for chronic diseases on your own, as sudden discontinuation can be harmful. Your doctor will determine if the medication is related and adjust it if necessary.

Considering the risk of parasitic infections

• People who have consumed untreated water, unhygienic food, or experienced diarrhea after a trip may need to be checked for parasitic infections.

• Giardia can be transmitted through contaminated water, food, or surfaces and cause diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, or nutrient malabsorption.

• When visiting the doctor, inform them of your travel history, duration of stay, and sources of water and food consumed. Do not self-administer deworming medications or antibiotics without identifying the cause.

Proactively seek medical attention if there are multiple risk factors

• Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you have the disease. The diagnosis of malabsorption syndrome requires a combination of symptoms, clinical examination, and appropriate tests.

• You should see a doctor if you experience prolonged diarrhea, greasy or abnormally smelling stools, unintentional weight loss, anemia, edema, fatigue, or vitamin deficiency.

• Depending on the case, the doctor may order blood tests, stool tests, imaging, or small bowel biopsy to find the cause.

Sign 2: Recognizing signs of malabsorption

Monitoring persistent digestive disorders

• Chronic diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramping, and excessive gas are common symptoms of malabsorption syndrome.

• Stools may be pale, float, be greasy, difficult to flush, large, and have a foul odor. This is a sign that the body is not absorbing fats well, also known as steatorrhea.

• Symptoms can be mild or appear intermittently, so patients often mistake them for common digestive upset.

Paying attention to abnormal weight loss

• Unintentional weight loss despite eating normally can occur when the body does not absorb enough energy and nutrients.

• Children with malabsorption may experience slow weight gain, delayed development, or be shorter than their age.

• Regularly monitor weight and see a doctor if weight continuously decreases without a clear cause.

Recognizing fatigue and weakness

• Lack of energy, protein, vitamins, or minerals can cause patients to feel constantly tired, weak, dizzy, and have reduced concentration.

• These symptoms are not specific but are noteworthy if accompanied by prolonged diarrhea, greasy stools, or weight loss.

Checking for signs of anemia

• Impaired absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folate can lead to anemia due to malabsorption.

• Common signs include pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue with light exertion.

• Blood tests can help the doctor assess anemia and support the diagnosis of malabsorption.

Observing skin, eyes, and bleeding status

• Prolonged vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause dry skin, dermatitis, hair loss, or slow-healing wounds.

• Poor night vision may be related to vitamin A deficiency.

• Easy bruising, bleeding gums, or prolonged bleeding can occur with vitamin K deficiency. However, these can also be signs of many other diseases and should be checked by a doctor.

Beware of electrolyte disturbances

• Prolonged diarrhea and reduced nutrient absorption can lead to deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, or other electrolytes.

• Patients may experience muscle cramps, weakness, numbness, heart palpitations, or irregular heartbeat.

• If chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, rapid heartbeat, or clear arrhythmias occur, seek emergency medical care instead of trying to replenish electrolytes at home.

Do not self-diagnose based solely on symptoms

• The above signs can be found in many other digestive and systemic diseases. Therefore, symptoms only serve as a suggestion and are not sufficient to confirm malabsorption syndrome.

• The doctor may combine clinical examination with blood tests, stool tests, imaging, or small bowel biopsy to find the cause.

• Early medical attention for prolonged diarrhea, abnormal stools, weight loss, anemia, or increasing fatigue will help identify the cause and treat it before severe nutritional deficiencies occur.

Sign 3: Monitoring signs of malabsorption

Observing stool characteristics

• Pale, soft, floating, large, and unusually foul-smelling stools may suggest the body is experiencing fat malabsorption.

• Greasy stools often stick to the toilet bowl, are difficult to flush, or leave a film on the water surface. This condition is also known as steatorrhea.

• Record the frequency of bowel movements, color, consistency, and duration of symptoms to provide information to your doctor when diagnosing malabsorption.

Monitoring reactions after each meal

• Pay attention to whether your abdomen feels distended, cramps, rumbling, or produces a lot of gas after eating a specific food.

• You can keep a food diary for 1–2 weeks, including what you ate, when you ate it, and the symptoms that appeared. This information helps the doctor recognize the connection between food and nutrient malabsorption.

• Do not arbitrarily eliminate many food groups for a long time, as overly restrictive diets can worsen nutrient deficiencies.

Checking for signs of leg edema

• Prolonged malabsorption can lead to protein deficiency, causing fluid to leak from blood vessels and accumulate in tissues.

• Patients may notice swelling in their legs, ankles, or feet; socks and shoes become tighter; pressing on the swollen area may leave an indentation.

• Edema is not exclusive to malabsorption syndrome but can also be related to heart, liver, kidney, or venous diseases. Therefore, seek medical attention instead of self-administering diuretics.

Recording symptoms instead of just observing

• Every day, record your weight, frequency of bowel movements, stool characteristics, food consumed, and symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, or leg edema.

• Bringing this record to your appointment will help your doctor assess the disease progression and choose appropriate tests for malabsorption diagnosis.

• If rapidly increasing edema, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, decreased urination, or significant weight loss occurs, seek early medical evaluation.

Sign 4: Monitoring growth delay in children

Monitoring a child's height and weight

• Malabsorption syndrome can prevent children from receiving enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for development.

• Children may be short, underweight, or grow slower than other children of the same age and gender. However, one should not compare children merely by visual observation.

• Parents should regularly record their child's height and weight and ask the doctor to evaluate them on a growth chart. A single low measurement is not enough to conclude; the growth trend over multiple measurements is more meaningful.

Observing muscle development

• Children with prolonged malabsorption may experience delayed muscle development, weakness, reduced physical activity, or fatigue more easily than normal.

• Pay attention if the child has difficulty running, jumping, climbing stairs, standing up from a sitting position, or performing activities they previously could.

• Progressive muscle weakness needs to be checked by a doctor, as the cause may not only be nutritional but also related to neurological or muscle disorders.

Noting signs of weak bones

• Reduced absorption of calcium, vitamin D, and related nutrients can affect bone formation, leading to decreased bone mass or bone pain.

• Children may complain of pain in their legs, back, or joints; have reduced flexibility or be more prone to injuries.

• Do not self-supplement high doses of vitamin D or calcium without medical advice. The doctor may need to order blood tests or bone health checks before treatment.

Monitoring hair and skin

• Protein, vitamin, or mineral deficiencies can cause hair to become dry, brittle, thin, or shed abnormally.

• Dry, pale skin, easy bruising, or slow-healing wounds can also reflect a state of nutrient deficiency.

• Changes in hair and skin are not sufficient to diagnose malabsorption, but they are more valuable when accompanied by prolonged diarrhea, greasy stools, weight loss, or stunted growth.

Beware of pain and numbness in hands and feet

• Bone pain, muscle pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the hands and feet can be related to deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin B6, or certain minerals.

• Severe vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking.

• If a child experiences prolonged numbness, weak limbs, unsteady gait, or reduced reflexes, seek medical attention early.

Taking children to the doctor for slow growth

• Slow weight gain, almost no change in height, muscle weakness, bone pain, or significant hair loss are signs that should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

• The doctor can review the diet, growth rate, signs of deficiency, and order tests to find the cause of malabsorption in children.

• Early detection helps treat the cause, replenish nutrients correctly, and limit long-term effects on the child's height, bones, muscles, and nervous system.

Part 2: How to diagnose and treat malabsorption syndrome

Note 1: See a doctor if malabsorption is suspected

Schedule an appointment as soon as possible

• If you or your child has prolonged diarrhea, greasy stools, weight loss, fatigue, leg edema, or stunted growth, seek medical attention for evaluation.

• Prolonged malabsorption syndrome can cause anemia, malnutrition, weak bones, and nerve damage. In children, it can also affect height and long-term development.

• Early detection helps the doctor identify the cause and treat it before nutritional deficiencies become severe.

Prepare information before the appointment

• Record when symptoms started, frequency of bowel movements, stool characteristics, weight changes, and foods that may worsen the condition.

• Bring a list of medications, supplements you are taking, along with a history of digestive diseases, bowel surgery, radiation therapy, or recent travel.

• For children, prepare a weight and height tracking record for the doctor to assess growth rate.

Fully disclose medical history

• The doctor will ask about diet, digestive symptoms, family history, and conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, liver disease, or pancreatic disease.

• Detailed information can help the doctor recognize the type of malabsorption and narrow down the group of causes to be investigated.

• However, relying solely on symptoms and history is often not enough to make a final conclusion.

Undergo necessary tests

• Depending on the case, the doctor may order blood tests to check for anemia, protein, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.

• Stool tests may be used to assess fat content, look for parasites, or detect other abnormalities.

• Some people may need breath tests, imaging, endoscopy, or small bowel biopsy to complete the diagnosis of malabsorption.

Do not self-treat without knowing the cause

• Do not self-administer digestive enzymes, anti-diarrhea medication, antibiotics, or high-dose vitamin supplements before being evaluated.

• Each cause of malabsorption requires a different treatment approach; using the wrong medication can mask symptoms or make diagnosis more difficult.

• Follow your doctor's instructions and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor absorption and nutritional recovery.

Go to the emergency room if severe symptoms occur

• Seek immediate medical attention if the patient has difficulty breathing, faints, experiences chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe dehydration, bloody stools, or black stools.

• Children with prolonged diarrhea accompanied by lethargy, inability to drink, decreased urination, or rapid weight loss also need urgent medical examination.

Note 2: Describe symptoms when seeing a doctor

Record symptoms before the appointment

• List all current symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, cramping, fatty stools, fatigue, weight loss, or swollen legs.

• A complete record helps ensure you don't miss important details and helps the doctor diagnose malabsorption more accurately.

• If a child has symptoms, parents should also record changes in weight, height, activity level, and eating ability.

Describe feelings specifically

• Instead of just saying "stomach pain," describe the location of the pain, whether it's dull or cramping, and the pain level from 0 to 10.

• For bloating, indicate whether the abdomen is slightly or very distended, and if it occurs immediately after eating or several hours later.

• Describe stool characteristics such as loose, pale, floating, fatty, sticking to the toilet bowl, or having an unusual odor. This information is helpful when evaluating fat malabsorption.

Determine the onset time

• Record the date or period when symptoms first appeared and whether the condition is improving or worsening.

• If you don't remember the exact date, you can associate it with a memorable event such as after a trip, after a course of medication, or after a dietary change.

• The duration of symptoms helps the doctor distinguish between temporary digestive disorders and chronic malabsorption syndrome.

Monitor frequency of occurrence

• Clearly record how many times per day or per week symptoms occur, how long they last, and if they disrupt daily life or sleep.

• For example: "I had loose, fatty stools 3 times a day for 2 weeks" is more helpful than "I often have diarrhea."

• For swollen legs, describe the location of swelling, when it appears, and whether it's constant or intermittent.

Record factors that increase or decrease symptoms

• Tell the doctor if symptoms appear after consuming milk, gluten-containing foods, fatty foods, or a specific dish.

• Note whether rest, fasting, bowel movements, or medication alleviate symptoms.

• This information can help identify the type of nutrient malabsorption and choose appropriate tests.

Report recent changes

• Prolonged stress, dietary changes, weight loss, surgery, radiation therapy, or a recent trip should all be mentioned.

• Specify if you have used unsafe water sources, eaten raw food, or experienced diarrhea after traveling, as the doctor may need to check for parasites.

Prepare a list of current medications

• List the name, dosage, and duration of use of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, digestive enzymes, laxatives, and supplements.

• Some medications can cause diarrhea or affect digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Do not stop medication on your own before the examination. The doctor will assess if the medication is related to nutrient malabsorption and guide safe adjustments.

Note 3: Tests for malabsorption diagnosis

Examination and exclusion of other causes

• Before ordering tests, the doctor will ask about symptoms, diet, medical history, current medications, and recent body changes.

• Clinical examination may include checking weight, signs of anemia, edema, dehydration, muscle weakness, and growth retardation in children.

• The doctor also needs to rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as intestinal infections, food intolerance, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Blood tests

• Blood tests help check for anemia, protein, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and electrolytes.

• Results may indicate the consequences of nutrient malabsorption, but are often not sufficient to identify the specific cause.

• Depending on symptoms, the doctor may request additional liver function tests, pancreatic function tests, or antibodies related to celiac disease.

Stool tests

• Stool samples can be analyzed to assess fat content, detect parasites, bacteria, or signs of inflammation.

• Increased fat in stool may suggest fat malabsorption disorder.

• Patients need to collect, store, and submit samples according to instructions to avoid skewing results.

Perform advanced tests when necessary

• The doctor may order a breath test if lactose intolerance, malabsorption of certain sugars, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is suspected.

• Ultrasound, CT, or MRI can be used to evaluate the intestines, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

• Endoscopy with small bowel biopsy may be necessary if celiac disease or intestinal mucosal damage is suspected.

Understand that there is no single test

• Malabsorption diagnosis is often based on a combination of symptoms, clinical examination, and various tests.

• The set of tests selected depends on the type of nutrient suspected of poor absorption and the underlying medical condition of each individual.

• Abnormal results should not be interpreted in isolation; the doctor needs to compare all information to find the exact cause.

Follow instructions before testing

• Ask if you need to fast, stop supplements, or adjust medication before sample collection.

• Do not stop prescription medication on your own, as some changes can be dangerous or affect results.

• After receiving results, return for follow-up as scheduled for explanation and to develop an appropriate malabsorption syndrome treatment plan.

Note 4: Stool sample collection for malabsorption testing

Understand the purpose of stool testing

• When malabsorption syndrome is suspected, the doctor may request a stool test to check the amount of fat not absorbed by the body.

• The results help identify fat malabsorption, but usually cannot pinpoint the underlying cause.

• Stool samples can also be tested for bacteria, parasites, or signs of intestinal inflammation.

Differentiate between random samples and multiple-day collection

• Some tests only require a small amount from one bowel movement.

• When precise measurement of fat content is needed, the patient may have to collect all stool for approximately 72 hours. This is considered a reliable method to confirm steatorrhea.

• The time and method of sample collection depend on the type of test, so it is important to follow the instructions provided by the hospital or laboratory.

Follow dietary instructions

• For quantitative fat in stool tests, healthcare facilities may require maintaining a specific amount of fat in the diet for a few days before and during the sample collection period.

• Some procedures use a diet of approximately 100–150 g of fat per day, but this level should only be followed if requested by a doctor or nutritionist.

• Do not arbitrarily eat a lot of fried foods as this can cause discomfort and invalidate the test procedure.

Collect samples correctly

• Use clean, dry tools or a sample collection kit provided by the healthcare facility; avoid letting stool come into contact with water in the toilet bowl.

• Do not allow the sample to be contaminated with urine, toilet paper, soap, or cleaning solutions.

• Seal the container, write your name, date, time of collection, and sequential number if multiple containers are used. Wash hands thoroughly with soap after completion.

Store and deliver samples on time

• Follow storage temperature requirements accurately as each test type has different regulations; samples may need to be refrigerated or frozen.

• If stool needs to be collected over several days, all samples must be kept as instructed and submitted at the same time.

• Do not leave samples at room temperature for too long or arbitrarily change containers, as this may affect the results of malabsorption diagnosis.

Inform about current medications

• Laxatives, mineral oil, castor oil, fat substitutes, and some other medications can interfere with test results.

• Provide a list of medications and supplements you are taking before sample collection.

• Do not stop medication on your own; only adjust as directed by your doctor or the laboratory.

Collect additional samples when checking for parasites

• Parasites may not always appear in every stool sample, so the doctor may request multiple samples on different days.

• Collecting a sufficient number of samples increases the likelihood of detecting agents causing nutrient malabsorption.

• After receiving the results, the doctor will combine them with symptoms and other tests to identify the cause and choose the appropriate treatment method.

Note 5: Blood tests when malabsorption is suspected

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• The doctor may order a CBC to detect anemia and assess red blood cell size and count.

• Iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency due to nutrient malabsorption can lead to different types of anemia.

• Abnormal results help guide further testing but are not sufficient to confirm malabsorption syndrome.

Assessment of iron, vitamins, and minerals

• Commonly checked indicators include ferritin, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and magnesium.

• If fat malabsorption is suspected, the doctor may also assess vitamins A, D, E, and K.

• The choice of tests depends on the symptoms; not all patients need to have all vitamins and minerals checked.

Blood protein test

• Albumin and total protein can help assess nutritional status, especially when the patient experiences weight loss, muscle wasting, or swollen legs.

• Low albumin levels can be related to malnutrition, but are also found in liver disease, kidney disease, or inflammatory conditions.

• Therefore, the doctor must interpret the results along with other tests before concluding the cause.

Assessment of blood clotting ability

• Vitamin K deficiency due to fat malabsorption disorder can prolong clotting time, making the patient prone to bruising or bleeding.

• The doctor may request prothrombin time and INR tests if there are suspicious signs.

• Unusual bleeding should be checked early; do not self-supplement with vitamin K at home.

Look for signs of inflammation and underlying causes

• Depending on the case, the doctor may check inflammatory markers and specific antibodies to find underlying diseases.

• Antibody tests related to celiac disease may be ordered if the patient has prolonged diarrhea, iron deficiency, or weight loss.

• Do not eliminate gluten on your own before celiac testing, as this can make the results less accurate.

Perform urine tests when necessary

• Urine testing is not a routine check for all cases of malabsorption diagnosis.

• The doctor may use urine samples in some absorption tests or to assess dehydration, kidney function, and other causes of protein deficiency.

• If a 24-hour urine collection is requested, collect all samples and store them according to the laboratory's instructions.

Preparation before sample collection

• Ask the doctor if you need to fast or temporarily adjust medications, vitamins, and supplements before testing.

• Do not arbitrarily stop prescription medications or take high-dose vitamin supplements to "improve" results.

• After receiving the results, the doctor will compare them with symptoms, stool tests, and other examinations to finalize the malabsorption diagnosis.

Note 6: Preparing for imaging diagnosis

Understand the role of imaging diagnosis

• X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans do not directly confirm malabsorption syndrome.

• These methods help the doctor find causes or complications such as structural abnormalities of the intestines, inflammation, obstruction, or diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

• Imaging results will be compared with symptoms, blood tests, and stool tests to complete the malabsorption diagnosis process.

Gastrointestinal X-ray

• X-rays can help observe the shape and activity of certain segments of the digestive tract.

• During the scan, the patient needs to remain still and may be asked to change positions for the technician to capture images from various angles.

• Depending on the examination purpose, the doctor may order multiple consecutive films to track the contrast agent as it moves through the small intestine.

Drink barium if indicated

• Barium is a contrast agent that makes the digestive tract more visible on X-ray films.

• Patients may need to drink a barium solution before or during the scan for the doctor to observe structural abnormalities.

• Only drink the correct amount at the correct time as instructed. Inform the medical staff if you have difficulty swallowing, suspect intestinal obstruction, are at risk of aspiration, or have had problems with contrast agents before.

Abdominal or small bowel CT scan

• CT uses X-rays and computers to create detailed images of the intestines and other organs in the abdomen.

• This method can detect inflammation, thickening of the intestinal wall, strictures, abnormal masses, or complications of digestive diseases.

• For small bowel CT, patients usually need to drink contrast agent and may be injected with contrast agent intravenously.

Abdominal ultrasound

• Ultrasound uses sound waves, not X-rays, and usually causes no pain.

• The doctor can use ultrasound to examine the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and some abnormalities in the abdomen.

• The results can help find diseases affecting fat digestion and causing nutrient malabsorption.

Prepare before the examination

• Read the instructions carefully, as you may need to fast, restrict fluids, or drink a certain amount of water before the scan.

• Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, have kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, contrast dye allergy, or have had a reaction to a previous scan.

• Provide a list of all medications you are currently taking and do not stop any medication unless instructed by your doctor.

• Wear comfortable clothing, remove all jewelry, and arrive early to complete registration.

Remain still during the scan

• For X-rays or CT scans, lie or sit in the correct position and hold your breath for a few seconds when instructed.

• CT scans typically take only a few minutes to acquire images, but the total time may be longer due to preparation and the use of contrast agents.

• If you experience difficulty breathing, itching, hives, dizziness, or discomfort after receiving a contrast agent, inform medical staff immediately.

Discuss results with your doctor

• An abnormality on a scan alone does not confirm that a patient has nutrient malabsorption.

• The doctor needs to combine imaging results with medical history, clinical symptoms, and other tests to determine the cause.

• Once the location and type of lesion are identified, the doctor can develop a more appropriate treatment plan.

Note 7: Hydrogen Breath Test

Understand the purpose of the test

• The hydrogen breath test helps assess the ability to digest and absorb certain sugars like lactose, fructose, or sucrose.

• The test can also aid in detecting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), depending on the type of solution used.

• This method only checks for specific causes and cannot independently confirm all forms of malabsorption syndrome.

Prepare according to instructions

• Patients are usually required to fast and only drink plain water for approximately 8–12 hours before the test.

• Do not smoke, chew gum, or engage in strenuous exercise before and during the test, as these activities can affect the results.

• Antibiotics, laxatives, antacids, and some other medications may need to be temporarily stopped as directed. Do not stop medication without consulting your doctor.

• Each facility has its own procedures, so prioritize the instructions on your test appointment slip.

Collect initial breath sample

• Before drinking the test solution, you will breathe into a bag, tube, or specialized device to measure your baseline hydrogen level.

• Inhale deeply and exhale correctly as instructed by the technician to ensure a suitable sample.

• Olivia Thompson General internal medicine doctor

  Graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine, with 11 years of experience in treating chronic diseases and providing adult women's health care. Currently working at UCLA Health, highly regarded for a gentle and scientific approach to treatment.