A situation where the intestines are unable to absorb the fluids and nutrients in food properly.
A condition where nutrients are not absorbed normally. May be due to a nutrient intolerance or some other disease that causes the intestinal cells to lose their absorptive capacity.
Malabsorption occurs when any nutrient is not absorbed normally. This can occur when digestion is inadequate to allow for absorption, as with the lack of an adequate digetive enzyme, or when the cells of the gastrointestinal tract are unable to properly absorb nutrients.
Impaired ability to digest food, especially to absorb nutrients from it.
Abnormal absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract, occurring in malnutrition, celiac disease, sprue, and other disorders that impair normal absorption.
A state in which absorption of one or more substances by the small intestine is reduced. It commonly affects fat (causing steatorrhea), vitamins (such as B12, folic acid, vitamins A, D, and K), electrolytes (such as calcium, potassium), iron, and amino acids. Symptoms (depending on the substances involved) include weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, swelling (edema), and vitamin deficiencies. The commonest causes are celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, blind-loop syndrome, or surgical removal of a length of small intestine.
A failure of the intestines to absorb nutrients, which may result from a birth defect, malnutrition, or an abnormal condition of the digestive system.
Reduced nutrient absorption by the small intestine’s lining.
Several conditions can lead to malabsorption. Inflammatory disorders like chronic pancreatitis (sustained inflammation of the pancreas) or Crohn’s disease (a condition affecting the bowel) are potential causes. Infections, such as giardiasis that targets the small intestine, can also be responsible.
Malabsorption can also stem from genetic disorders that affect the intestinal structure or its functionality. Examples include lactase deficiency, where there’s a lack of an enzyme essential for digesting milk sugar, cystic fibrosis, which causes an overproduction of mucus in the intestines, or coeliac disease, a sensitivity to gluten found in some grains.
Malabsorption can also arise from conditions like amyloidosis, where a starch-like material accumulates in crucial organs; Whipple’s disease, an uncommon bacterial ailment; or lymphoma, a lymph tissue cancer. Furthermore, removing parts of the small intestine or undergoing specific stomach surgeries can lead to malabsorption.
Typical signs of malabsorption include diarrhoea and weight loss. In more severe instances, it can lead to malnutrition, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or even anaemia.
Diagnosis can involve fecal tests, blood tests, barium X-ray studies, and jejunal biopsy. For most patients, adjusting the diet or adding supplements effectively treats the condition. In more serious situations, direct nutrient infusion through an IV may be required.