Malabsorption

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Digestive system

Cystic fibrosis

Digestive system organs

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.

Review Date: 10/15/2004
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Sreeni Jonnalagadda, M.D., Interventional and Pancreatobiliary Endoscopy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/26/2004).

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