Malabsorption is a broad term used to describe the body's inability to absorb nutrients from food. It can affect one or many nutrients in the diet, including carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. Weight loss often accompanies malabsorption since vital nutrients and calories aren't absorbed. Malabsorption generally indicates a medical condition, such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease or Crohn's disease. Medical treatments and lifestyle changes are often necessary to remedy malabsorption and related weight loss.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes harsh immune system responses when a person ingests gluten--a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and an assortment of every day products. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, celiac disease is now considered a common genetic disorder, affecting over 2 million people in the United States, or about 1 in every 133 people. Until celiac disease is diagnoses and treated, primarily through a strict, gluten-free diet, nutrient malabsorption and unintentional weight loss may occur. Additional symptoms of celiac disease that tend to affect children with the disease include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation, pale stool and delayed growth and puberty. According to the NDDIC, adults with celiac disease are less likely to experience digestive symptoms, but may develop iron-deficient anemia, bone or joint pain, depression, and other symptoms associated with nutrient malabsorption.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic illness that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, intestinal swelling associated with the disorder often causes nutrient malabsorption and diarrhea. Though the causes of Crohn's disease remain unknown, scientists speculate that it develops in response to antigens--substances that trigger antibody production. The NDDIC lists lower-right abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea as common Crohn's disease symptoms. Arthritis, skin problems and fever may also occur. Due to nutrient malabsorption, children with Crohn's disease may experience developmental delays and stunted growth. In some cases people with Crohn's disease require nutritional supplementation as a vital part of treatment.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a serious inherited disorder that causes the body to secrete thick, sticky mucus, rather than normal-consistency fluids. Cystic fibrosis causes severe lung damage and blocks digestive enzymes from entering the intestines. As a result, the Mayo Clinic explains, people with cystic fibrosis aren't able to properly absorb proteins, fats or fat-soluble vitamins, or vitamins A, D, E and K. Due to their inability to absorb vitamin D sufficiently, cystic fibrosis may lead to osteoporosis, or weak, brittle bones. Children with cystic fibrosis generally require more calories and nutrients in their diets than other children in order to support proper growth and development and to compensate for nutrient malabsorption.
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