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Definition Return to top
Malabsorption is difficulty in the digestion or absorption of nutrients from food substances.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
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 Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
See the individual conditions.Treatment Return to top
See the individual conditions.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
See the individual conditions.Complications Return to top
Prolonged malabsorption can result in malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call to make an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of malabsorption.
Prevention Return to top
See the individual conditions. Update Date: 10/15/2004 Updated 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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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |