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Conditions
What is Bile Acid Malabsorption?
Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM), also known as bile acid diarrhoea, is a common but often overlooked cause of chronic diarrhoea.
Symptoms can include frequent loose stools, urgency, abdominal pain, bloating, excessive wind, and episodes of faecal incontinence, all of which can have a significant impact on daily life. Because these symptoms are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), many people live with BAM for years before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually made by a gastroenterologist using specialised investigations, such as a SeHCAT scan, or, in some cases, blood or stool tests, alongside a thorough assessment of your symptoms and medical history.
Identifying BAM is important, as targeted treatment can often lead to a significant improvement in symptoms.
Diet plays an important role in managing bile acid malabsorption. A specialist gastroenterology dietitian can help you make practical dietary changes, including adjusting your fat intake where appropriate, while ensuring your diet remains balanced, enjoyable, and nutritionally complete.
We also assess for nutritional deficiencies, identify any other dietary factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, and provide personalised advice that fits your lifestyle. Treatment often involves a combination of dietary management and bile acid sequestrant medication, prescribed by your healthcare team, to reduce excess bile acids reaching the bowel and improve symptoms.
We work with you to ensure your nutrition supports your treatment, helping you achieve the best possible symptom control and improve your quality of life.
If you are living with ongoing diarrhoea, urgency, or have been told you have IBS that isn't responding to treatment, bile acid malabsorption could be an underlying cause.
Book an appointment today for a comprehensive assessment and personalised nutrition support from a specialist gastroenterology dietitian. Together, we will help you understand your symptoms, optimise your treatment, and get you back to living life with greater confidence.
Get in Touch
If you have a question about your symptoms or would like to find out more before booking, just send a message and Jeanette will get back to you as soon as possible.