Malabsorption Syndrome

Malabsorption syndrome is the inability to absorb nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream.

Causes may include:

• Diseases affecting the intestine itself, such as Reference celiac disease Opens New Window.
• Absence or low levels of certain digestive enzymes.
• Diseases of the pancreas, such as Reference chronic pancreatitis Opens New Window or Reference cystic fibrosis Opens New Window.
• Diseases caused by parasites, such as Reference giardiasis Opens New Window or worms.
• Changes in the bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract.
• Surgery, such as removal of the Reference gallbladder Opens New Window, that alters or reduces the length of the intestinal tract.
• Reference Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Opens New Window.

Symptoms may include:

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

Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms to determine the cause and recommend treatment. Treatment may include a special diet, medicine to replace intestinal enzymes or reduce spasms, and vitamin or mineral supplements, such as B12 and iron.

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