Malabsorption Syndrome

Topic Overview

Malabsorption syndrome is the poor absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream.

Causes include:

• Absence or low levels of digestive enzymes.
• Diseases of the pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis.
• Diseases caused by an intestinal parasite.
• Changes in the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract.
• Disease affecting the intestine itself, such as sprue or celiac disease.
• Surgery that alters or reduces the intestinal tract.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Symptoms may include:

• Gas, bloating, and vague abdominal discomfort.
• Frequent diarrhea and foul-smelling stools.
• Weakness and weight loss.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include a special diet, medicine to replace intestinal enzymes or reduce spasms, and vitamin or mineral supplements, such as B12 and iron.