Malabsorption Syndromes

On this page Basics Summary Start Here Diagnosis and Tests Learn More Related Issues Specifics Genetics See, Play and Learn No links available Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles Resources Find an Expert For You Children Patient Handouts Summary Your small intestine does most of the digesting of the foods you eat. If you have a malabsorption syndrome, your small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from foods.Causes of malabsorption syndromes include:Celiac diseaseLactose intoleranceShort bowel syndrome. This happens after surgery to remove half or more of the small intestine. You might need the surgery if you have a problem with the small intestine from a disease, injury, or birth defect.Whipple disease, a rare bacterial infectionGenetic diseasesCertain medicinesSymptoms of different malabsorption syndromes can vary. They often include chronic diarrhea, abnormal stools, weight loss, and gas. Your doctor may use lab, imaging, or other tests to make a diagnosis.Treatment of malabsorp...