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Malabsorption - Treatment

Treatment:

Vitamin and nutrient replacement is often necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the condition causing malabsorption.

Complications:

Long-term malabsorption can result in:

Anemia
Gallstones
Heart failure
Kidney stones
Osteoporosis and bone disease
Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of malabsorption.

Digestive system

Cystic fibrosis

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 8/22/2008
Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Semrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the Patient with Diarrhea and Malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 143.

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