sprue

essentially a composite DEFICIENCY DISEASE because of lack of food being absorbed as a result of a disease of the INTESTINE or a metabolic disorder that means fats cannot be absorbed. The symptoms include DIARRHOEA , inflamed TONGUE , ANAEMIA and weight loss. The condition was considered a disease of tropical climates but other versions have been seen. Treatment involves ANTIBIOTICS , folic acid (to combat the anaemia), vitamins and a high-protein diet. There may be an immediate improvement on returning to a temperate climate.