Epeacidmalabsorpció

Epeacidmalabsorpció refers to a condition characterized by impaired absorption of bile acids in the small intestine. Bile acids are produced by the liver and are essential for the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. They are secreted into the small intestine, where they emulsify fats, facilitating their breakdown by enzymes. After their role in digestion, the majority of bile acids are reabsorbed in the terminal ileum and returned to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation.

When epeacidmalabsorpció occurs, this reabsorption process is disrupted. This can lead to a deficiency of bile acids in the enterohepatic circulation. The consequences include reduced fat digestion and absorption, which can manifest as steatorrhea (fatty stools), abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Furthermore, impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can lead to their deficiencies over time, potentially causing various health problems such as night blindness, bone disease, and bleeding issues.

The causes of epeacidmalabsorpció are diverse. Conditions affecting the terminal ileum, such as Crohn's disease, ileal resection surgery, or radiation enteritis, are common culprits as this is the primary site of bile acid reabsorption. Other causes can include bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO), which deconjugates bile acids, rendering them unabsorbable, or certain medications. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, stool analysis for fat content, and sometimes specific tests to assess bile acid malabsorption. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms, which may include dietary modifications, medications to bind bile acids, or antibiotics for SIBO.