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Malabsorption

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system
Digestive system
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Definition    Return to top

Malabsorption is difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients from food.

Causes    Return to top

Many diseases can cause malabsorption. Malabsorption is usually the inability to absorb certain sugars, fats, proteins, or vitamins from food. It can also involve a general malabsorption of food.

Some of the causes of malabsorption include:

Vitamin B12 malabsorption may be due to:

Malabsorption of vitamins can occur even without diarrhea.

Symptoms    Return to top

Malabsorption can affect growth and development, or it can lead to specific illnesses.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

Vitamin and nutrient replacement is often necessary.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook depends on the condition causing malabsorption.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Long-term malabsorption can result in:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of malabsorption.

Prevention    Return to top

Preventive methods depend on the condition causing malabsorption.

References    Return to top

Semrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the Patient with Diarrhea and Malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 143.

Update Date: 8/22/2008

Updated by: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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