Malabsorpce

Malabsorpce refers to a condition where the small intestine is unable to absorb adequate amounts of nutrients from ingested food. This can lead to a deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The causes of malabsorpce are diverse and can stem from problems within the small intestine itself, or from disorders affecting the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder.

Common causes include Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, leading to damage of the small intestine lining. Lactose intolerance, a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, prevents the proper digestion of lactose, a sugar found in milk. Pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, can also cause malabsorpce. Other contributing factors include inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease, infections, certain medications, and surgical removal of parts of the digestive tract.

Symptoms of malabsorpce can vary depending on the specific nutrients not being absorbed. However, general signs often include chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating and gas, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies such as anemia, bone weakness, or skin problems. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to check nutrient levels, and specific tests like stool analysis or endoscopic biopsies of the small intestine. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, dietary modifications, and nutritional supplementation.