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 intoleranceceliac 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 atresiaabetalipoproteinemiaVitamin B-12 malabsorption may be due to: Diphyllobothrium latum infestation juvenile pernicious anemia parasites Giardia lamblia Strongyloides stercoralis ( threadworm )
Necator americanus ( hookworm )
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.