GI Effects Maldigestion Score Test

The Maldigestion Score reflects how well you break down and absorb the food you eat, especially fats and proteins. It’s based on markers like pancreatic elastase (a measure of your pancreas’ enzyme output), undigested or partially digested fats in the stool, and protein breakdown products. Together, these show whether your digestive machinery, stomach acid, bile, and pancreatic enzymes, is doing its job.

Why it matters

When digestion is not efficient, even a “healthy” diet may not translate into good nutrition. Poor breakdown and absorption of food can lead to bloating, gas, loose stools, or floating/oily stools, but it can also be silent and simply show up as fatigue, nutrient deficiencies (like low iron, B12, or fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K), or unexplained weight changes. Over time, chronic maldigestion can stress the gut lining and microbiome and contribute to inflammation.

What a higher score suggests

A higher Maldigestion Score means there is more evidence that digestion and absorption are impaired. This can happen with low stomach acid, low pancreatic enzyme output (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), poor bile flow, or rapid transit time through the gut. Depending on your pattern, your clinician may consider strategies such as digestive enzyme or bile support, changing how/what you eat (for example, slowing down meals, reducing ultra-processed foods, adjusting fat intake), and addressing root causes like pancreatic or gallbladder issues.