Final answer:
A person with malabsorption issues, flatulence, and diarrhea may have lactose intolerance and should avoid lactose-containing foods to alleviate symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Someone with malabsorption problems who is experiencing flatulence and diarrhea may benefit from avoiding lactose-containing foods. This individual likely suffers from lactose intolerance, a condition where the small intestine does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose found in dairy products.
The fermentation of undigested lactose by bacteria in the large intestine leads to gas, abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Avoiding lactose is recommended to alleviate these symptoms, with lactose-free options and enzyme supplements as possible alternatives to ensure nutritional needs are met.