This is produced by a difficulty in absorption or digestion of nutrients from food
It can be a failure to absorb specific sugars, proteins, fats, or vitamins, or it can be a general malabsorption of food. Diarrhea, bloating or cramping, frequent bulky stools, muscle wasting, and a distended abdomen may accompany malabsorption.
It can lead to specific illnesses or can affect growth and development.
These are possible causes:
It can be a failure to absorb specific sugars, proteins, fats, or vitamins, or it can be a general malabsorption of food. Diarrhea, bloating or cramping, frequent bulky stools, muscle wasting, and a distended abdomen may accompany malabsorption.
It can lead to specific illnesses or can affect growth and development.
These are possible causes:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Celiac disease
- Bovine lactalbumin intolerance
- Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
- Lactose intolerance
- Whipple disease
- Soy milk protein intolerance
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica causing zinc malabsorption
- Abetalipoproteinemia
- Biliary atresia
- Vitamin B-12 malabsorption may be due to:
- Diphyllobothrium latum infestation
- Juvenile pernicious anemia
- Parasites
- Giardia lamblia
- Strongyloides stercoralis
- Necator americanus
Symptons:
- Specific food avoidance
- Chronic diarrhea
- Growth failure
- Bloating and flatulenc
from: Medical Encyclopedia..
