Malabsorption

Digestive system

Cystic fibrosis

Digestive system organs

Malabsorption

Definition:

Difficulty in the digestion or absorption of nutrients from food substances.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Malabsorption can be the result of a broad spectrum of diseases. Typically, malabsorption can be the failure to absorb specific sugars, fats, proteins, or other nutrients (such as vitamins), or it can include a general nonspecific 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 can lead to specific illnesses. Some of the causes of malabsorption include:

cystic fibrosis (the number one cause in the U.S.)
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 (threadworm)
- 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: 2/14/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: David Loren, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (5/29/2001).

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