Malabsorption

Definition

Malabsorption is difficulty in the digestion or absorption of nutrients from food substances.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Malabsorption can result from a broad spectrum of diseases. Typically, malabsorption can be the failure to absorb specific sugars, fats, proteins, or vitamins, or it can be a general malabsorption of food. Diarrhea, bloating or cramping, failure to thrive, frequent bulky stools, muscle wasting, and a distended abdomen may accompany malabsorption.

Malabsorption can affect growth and development, or it can lead to specific illnesses. Some of the causes of malabsorption include:

• Cystic fibrosis (the number one cause in the U.S.)
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Lactose intolerance
• Celiac disease (gluten-induced-enteropathy, sprue)
• Whipple disease
• Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
• Bovine lactalbumin intolerance (cow's milk protein)
• Soy milk protein intolerance
• Acrodermatitis enteropathica causing zinc malabsorption
• Biliary atresia
• Abetalipoproteinemia
• Vitamin B-12 malabsorption may be due to:
  • Diphyllobothrium latum infestation
  • Juvenile pernicious anemia
• Parasites
  • Giardia lamblia
  • Strongyloides stercoralis
  • Necator americanus (hookworm)

Symptoms

• Specific food avoidance
• Chronic diarrhea
• Bloating and flatulence (gas)
• Growth failure

Signs and tests

See the individual conditions.

Treatment

See the individual conditions.

Expectations (prognosis)

See the individual conditions.

Complications

Prolonged malabsorption can result in malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

Calling your health care provider

Call to make an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of malabsorption.

Prevention

See the individual conditions.

Illustrations

Digestive system

Cystic fibrosis

Digestive system organs

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