Malabsorption Syndrome

Topic Overview

Malabsorption syndrome is the poor absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream.

Causes include:

Absence or low levels of digestive enzymes.
Diseases of the pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis.
Diseases caused by an intestinal parasite.
Changes in the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract.
Disease affecting the intestine itself, such as sprue or celiac disease.
Surgery that alters or reduces the intestinal tract.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Symptoms may include:

Gas, bloating, and vague abdominal discomfort.
Frequent diarrhea and foul-smelling stools.
Weakness and weight loss.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include a special diet, medicine to replace intestinal enzymes or reduce spasms, and vitamin or mineral supplements, such as B12 and iron.

Related Information

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Revised	September 9, 2011

By:

Healthwise Staff

Last Revised: September 9, 2011

Medical Review:

E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease

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