What is malabsorption?

S.S.

Malabsorption is a general term used to describe a problem with the digestive tract's ability to digest and absorb nutrients from food. This problem occurs because of dysfunction in one of three key components in the digestive process: the liver, the pancreas or the small intestine.

The liver produces a greenish liquid called bile that contains acids needed to break down the fats in food. A defect in the liver's ability to deliver these bile acids to the small intestine can result in malabsorption. Similarly, the pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Pancreatic dysfunction (as in chronic pancreatitis) can also cause malabsorption. The lining of the small intestine plays a vital role in the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. An abnormality in this lining (as in celiac disease) will prevent proper absorption.

Patients troubled by malabsorption will often experience diarrhea and weight loss. In addition, they may show such signs of malnutrition such as anemia (due to iron and folic acid deficiency), osteoporosis (due to calcium and vitamin D deficiency), abnormal bruising and clotting (due to vitamin K deficiency) and, in some cases, visual changes (due to vitamin A deficiency).

Malabsorption may be difficult to diagnose in children, whose only symptom may be mildly impaired growth. When the diagnosis of malabsorption is considered, it is crucial to perform the proper tests to determine which part of the digestive process may be malfunctioning. Once the cause of the malabsorption is discovered, the proper therapy for that specific defect can then be given.