gastrointestinal disorders
Overview of Malabsorption
Etiology of Malabsorption
). Some malabsorptive disorders (eg, Celiac Disease ) impair the absorption of most nutrients, vitamins, and trace minerals (global malabsorption); others (eg, pernicious anemia) are more selective. 90% of function is lost. Increased luminal acidity (eg, Gastrinoma ) inhibits lipase and fat digestion. Acute bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections (see also Overview of Gastroenteritis ) may cause transient malabsorption, probably as a result of temporary, superficial damage to the villi and microvilli. Chronic bacterial infections of the small bowel are uncommon, apart from blind loops, Systemic Sclerosis , and 