Welcome to AccessAtlanta!

Malabsorption can be the result of a broad spectrum of diseases. Typically, malabsorption can be the failure to absorb specific sugars, fats, proteins, or other nutrients (such as vitamins), or it can include a general nonspecific malabsorption of food. Diarrhea, bloating or cramping, failure to thrive, frequent bulky stools, muscle wasting, and a distended abdomen may accompany malabsorption.

Malabsorption can affect growth and development or can lead to specific illnesses. Some of the causes of malabsorption include:

cystic fibrosis (the number one cause in the U.S.)
lactose intolerance
celiac disease (gluten-induced-enteropathy, sprue)
Whipple disease
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
bovine lactalbumin intolerance (cow's milk protein)
soy milk protein intolerance
acrodermatitis enteropathica causing Zinc malabsorption
biliary atresia
abetalipoproteinemia
Vitamin B-12 malabsorption may be due to:
- Diphyllobothrium latum infestation
- juvenile pernicious anemia
parasites
- Giardia lamblia
- Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm)
- Necator americanus (hookworm)