General Information About Malabsorption
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where foods that pass through the stomach and are broken down cannot be absorbed due to damage to the inner lining of the small intestines or a lack of enzymes, and are directly excreted from the body via stool.
Celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), Crohn's disease, the surgical removal of a portion of the intestines, the pancreas's inability to produce digestive enzymes, or bile duct obstructions can completely halt absorption.
Continuous weight loss despite eating a lot, chronic gas and bloating in the stomach, foul-smelling/greasy diarrhea, anemia, muscle wasting, bone weakness, and persistent fatigue.
If fats in food cannot be absorbed due to pancreatic diseases or a lack of bile, the fat passes through the intestine and mixes with the stool. The stool takes on a very foul-smelling, pale-colored, sticky form that floats or sticks to the toilet bowl.
Decreased vitamin/mineral levels in the blood are checked. An undigested fat test is performed on the stool (feces). An Endoscopy/Colonoscopy is performed to see the physical condition of the intestine and to take a biopsy.
Treatment is based on the underlying cause. If there is pancreatic insufficiency, oral enzyme pills are given externally. In cases of intestinal wall damage like Celiac, the offending food (gluten, etc.) is completely removed from the diet. Missing vitamins are supplemented intravenously (IV) or by intramuscular injection.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
