The W.O. Frohring Family Resource Center

Part of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, this center has a resource library with information on parenting, breastfeeding, sibling relationships and much more. Materials may be borrowed for a limited time within the hospital, and copying services are available.

Patients who have recently given birth at MacDonald Women’s Hospital find the library to be an excellent source on topics relating to newborns and their parents. The Frohring Family Resource Center supports a caring and effective partnership between families and their healthcare team by providing general assistance on baby care and health-related issues. You can learn more about the Center on the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital website. Community residents are also welcome to visit or call the center for information.

Health Encyclopedia

Malabsorption

Digestive system
Digestive system
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Definition

  

Malabsorption is difficulty in the digestion or absorption of nutrients from food.


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  

Malabsorption can result from a wide range of diseases. Typically, malabsorption can be the failure to absorb specific sugars, fats, proteins, or vitamins. It can also be a general malabsorption of food. Diarrhea, bloating or cramping, failure to thrive, frequent bulky stools, muscle wasting, and a distended stomach may accompany malabsorption.

Malabsorption can affect growth and development, or it can lead to specific illnesses. Some of the causes of malabsorption include:


Symptoms

  
  • Avoiding specific foods
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Bloating and gas
  • Growth failure

Signs and tests

  

See the individual conditions.


Treatment

  

See the individual conditions.


Support Groups

  


Expectations (prognosis)

  

See the individual conditions.


Complications

  

Long-term malabsorption can result in malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.


Calling your health care provider

  

Call to make an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of malabsorption.


Prevention

  

See the individual conditions.


 
Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewd By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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