What Is Malabsorption?
This is impaired absorption of nutrients from the GI tract.
Many different conditions and circumstances can affect the ability of the small intestine to absorb nutrients adequately. Examples include a fault in the digestive process, such as a failure to produce enzymes needed to break down certain foods; structural defects or tumors in the intestine itself; inflammatory processes, intestinal infections, and other diseases; and congenital defects.
Injury or surgical removal of portions of the...
More information on "What Is Malabsorption?"
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From Our Sources
Malabsorption
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Malabsorption is difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Many diseases can cause malabsorption.... Read more »
D-xylose absorption
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Xylose tolerance test References Hogenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds.... Read more »
Short bowel syndrome
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Small intestine insufficiencyPreventionReferencesSemrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L,... Read more »
Lactose tolerance tests
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Hydrogen breath test for lactose toleranceReferencesHogenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger... Read more »
Fecal fat
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Quantitative stool fat determination; Fat absorptionReferencesSemrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In:... Read more »
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