Malabsorption is the state of impaired absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. It has many different potential causes. Specific causes lead to different patterns in malabsorption. It may involve fat and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K); it may also affect vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, protein and carbohydrates. Diarrhea is often present clinically, although this may not be the immediate cause for seeing a physician.

Causes

• Coeliac disease
• Insufficiency of the pancreas (e.g. after pancreatitis or in [[cystic fibrosis)
• Whipple's disease (a very rare bacterial infection)
• Many more