What Are The Symptoms Of Short Bowel Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a common symptom in individuals with short bowel syndrome because the disorder directly interferes with how the body turns food into usable cellular energy. Dietary energy comes from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food that is consumed. In a healthy individual, the digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine break these elements down into fragments the small intestine can absorb. Once absorbed, the nutrients are processed by the liver into amino acids and sugars that can be transported to the cells around the body. Once delivered to the cells, glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids are metabolized by the mitochondria of the cell. This mechanism produces ATP or a form of energy the cells can use. Without adequate amounts of ATP, the cells cannot perform their functions. Short bowel syndrome patients have a small intestine that cannot properly absorb the fragments of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins from digested food. Without sufficient amino acids, glucose, or fatty acids, the cells cannot produce enough ATP. Lack of cellular energy around the body can quickly make patients feel tired, sluggish, and fatigued frequently.

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