Malabsorption

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Cystic fibrosis

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Malabsorption is difficulty in the digestion or absorption of nutrients from food.

Malabsorption can result from a wide range of diseases. Typically, malabsorption can be the failure to absorb specific sugars, fats, proteins, or vitamins. It can also be a general malabsorption of food. Diarrhea, bloating or cramping, failure to thrive, frequent bulky stools, muscle wasting, and a distended stomach may accompany malabsorption.

Malabsorption can affect growth and development, or it can lead to specific illnesses. Some of the causes of malabsorption include:

• Cystic fibrosis (the number one cause in the U.S.)
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Lactose intolerance
• Celiac disease
• Whipple disease
• Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (a genetic disease affecting the pancreas and bone marrow)
• Cow's milk protein intolerance
• Soy milk protein intolerance
• Biliary atresia
• Abetalipoproteinemia
• Vitamin B-12 malabsorption may be due to:
  • Diphyllobothrium latum infestation
  • Juvenile pernicious anemia
• Parasites
  • Giardia lamblia
  • Strongyloides stercoralis
  • Necator americanus (hookworm)

Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.