Lactose intolerance Definition:
Malabsorption is the inability to absorb nutrients through the gut lining into the bloodstream. Malabsorption is the failure of the GI tract to absorb one or more substances from the diet.
Symptoms of malabsorption are caused by the increased passage of unabsorbed nutrients through the digestive tract or by the nutritional deficiencies that result from inadequate absorption.
The inadequate absorption of fats in the digestive tract results in stool that is light-colored, soft, bulky, and unusually foul smelling (such stool is called steatorrhea). The stool may float or stick to the side of the toilet bowl and be difficult to flush away. The inadequate absorption of certain sugars can cuse explosive diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and flatulence.
Malabsorption can cause deficiencies of all nutrients or selective deficiencies of proteins, fats, sugars, vitamins, or minerals. People with malabsorption usually lose weight. The symptoms vary depending on the specific deficiencies. For example, a protein deficiency can cause swelling (edema) anywhere throughout the body, dry skin, and hair loss.
Specific malabsorption disorders include:
Lactose intolerance is a common disorder caused by a lack of a specific enzyme necessary to break down a sugar in milk, resulting in diarrhea, cramps, and gas.
Celiac disease is a hereditary disorder involving an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat and rye flours. Symptoms include a failure to grow and the passage of fatty, foul-smelling stools that float to the top of the toilet water. The disorder often can be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and confirmed by examining a small sample of intestinal tissue. As the disease progresses, the fingerlike projections that line the intestinal walls, and from which nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream, become flattened and smooth. Treatment involves consuming a gluten-free diet.
Tropical sprue is uncommon in the U.S. Symptoms include anemia and other nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and diarrhea. A sore tongue and passage of fatty stools are common.
Whipple's disease is a relatively rare disorder, mostly affecting middle-aged men. Symptoms include severe malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, chronic low-grade fever, diarrhea, and joint pain.
Other disorders - in addition to specific intestinal abnormalities or deficiencies, a number of other disorders can hinder absorption. Scleroderma, intestinal lymphoma, liver disease, pancreatic disease, and bacterial overgrowth are among the numerous conditions that can hinder absorption from the small intestine. Intestinal damage from radiation therapy or certain drugs also may affect absorption.
Other topical about malabsorption related:
 Malabsorption overview: Malabsorption is the inability to absorb nutrients through the gut lining into the bloodstream. Malabsorption is the failure of the GI tract to absorb one or more substances from the diet.
Celiac disease is a hereditary disorder involving an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat and rye flours.
Tropical sprue is uncommon in the U.S. Symptoms include anemia and other nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and diarrhea. A sore tongue and passage of fatty stools are common.
Whipple's disease is a relatively rare disorder, mostly affecting middle-aged men. Symptoms include severe malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, chronic low-grade fever, diarrhea, and joint pain.
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