Chapter 11 MALABSORPTIVE DISORDERS AND COELIAC DISEASE
INTRODUCTION
The body obtains nutrients from food by the absorption of food components that have been broken down by digestion. Malabsorption is the failure of the processes of digestion and absorption, and may present with weight loss, bloating, diarrhoea and a myriad of specific vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Identification of the underlying cause and replacement of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies are the cornerstones of management (see Figure 11.1). An aetiologic classification of malabsorption is listed in Table 11.1 with the types commonly seen in clinical practice summarised in Table 11.2.
Pancreatic insufficiency |