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:
o Diphyllobothrium latum infestation
o Juvenile pernicious anemia
* Parasites
o Giardia lamblia
o Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm)
o 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.