How is it treated? The conventional treatment is directed at any underlying medical condition (e.g., celiac disease, tropical sprue, Whipple’s disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and short bowel syndrome). People with severe damage to the absorptive surface of their intestines may also be prescribed intravenous nutritional supplements. Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications, such as glucocorticoids and 6-mercaptopurine, are sometimes used as components of conventional treatment.

What causes malabsorption? There are over 100 different conditions that can lead to problems in absorbing food, most of which are rare. The degree of malabsorption depends on the type of underlying condition and the extent to which it has affected the gut. Some of the more common malabsorption syndromes are due to bacterial or parasitic infections, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, liver disease (including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and gallstones), cystic fibrosis, lactose intolerance, chronic pancreatitis, specific medications that affect the intestines, or surgery of the stomach or bowels. The four conditions that most often lead to malabsorption in the United States are lactose intolerance, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and chronic pancreatitis.¹

Malabsorption may also occur when certain minerals present in the digestive tract in large amounts prevent adequate absorption of other minerals that are present in relatively small amounts. Minerals that may have this type of interaction include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.

What does not cause malabsorption? Some popular health regimens claim that certain dietary practices, such as eating only raw food or avoiding certain food combinations, will prevent malabsorption of nutrients. There is no evidence to support these claims.

How is malabsorption treated? Treatment of malabsorption will vary depending on the diagnosis. Please see articles on specific conditions for more information.