malabsorption syndrome

a group of diseases in which there is a reduction in the normal absorption of digested food materials in the small INTESTINE . The food materials involved are commonly fats, vitamins, minerals, amino-acids and iron. The diseases include COELIAC DISEASE , PANCREATITIS , CYSTIC FIBROSIS , SPRUE and STAGNANT LOOP SYNDROME and also surgical removal of a part of the small intestine.