malabsorption

(noun)

The state arising from abnormality in digestion or absorption of food nutrients across the gastrointestinal tract.

Related Terms

Examples of malabsorption in the following topics:

  • Malabsorption of Nutrients

    • Infective agents that may cause malabsorption include: Whipple's disease , intestinal tuberculosis, HIV-related malabsorption, tropical sprue, traveler's diarrhea, and parasites (e.g.
    • Giardia lamblia, fish tapeworm [B12 malabsorption], roundworm, or hookworm).
    • Mucosal abnormalities (e.g. celiac disease , cows' milk intolerance, soy milk intolerance, and fructose malabsorption) may lead to malabsorption.
    • There is no specific diagnostic test for malabsorption.
    • Treatment for malabsorption is directed largely towards management of underlying cause.

  • Role of Vitamin K

    • Vitamin K deficiency can occur from dietary causes, from malabsorption in the intestines, or liver failure (which is involved in vitamin K metabolism).

  • Osteomalacia and Rickets

    • Osteomalacia due to malabsorption may require treatment by injection or daily oral dosing of significant amounts of vitamin D.

  • Absorption of Monosaccharides, Amino Acids, Dipeptides, Tripeptides, Lipids, Electrolytes, Vitamins, and Water

    • The factors that cause malabsorption of fat can also affect absorption of these vitamins.

  • Absorption of Alcohol

    • Chronic pancreatitis often results in malabsorption problems and diabetes.

  • Tissues and Aging

    • Changes that may appear in the small intestine include appendicitis, duodenal ulcers, malabsorption, and maldigestion.