Health Care Encyclopedia
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MalabsorptionDefinition: 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:
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.
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| 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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