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In patients with CF, a genetic disorder
the respiratory and digestive systems,
pancreatic enzymes needed to break
absorb fats in the intestine are absent,
malabsorption and malnutrition.
Overview
Malabsorption is the inadequate absorption of
nutrients from the intestinal tract. It is the result of
an underlying problem that causes the digestive
process to stall. Partially digested particles pass
through the gastrointestinal system without
supplying important nutrients to the bloodstream.
Symptoms
Malabsorption is typically characterized by
diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fluid retention,
weakness, weight loss, or the inability to gain
weight. You may notice a particular form of
diarrhea called steatorrhea, where stools are pale,
fatty, oily, soft and bulky. Prolonged malabsorption
may result in malnutrition.
Diagnosis
To confirm malabsorption, a stool fat analysis may
be performed. This noninvasive, reliable test is
used to detect large amounts of fat in the stool,
which may indicate malabsorption. Your clinician
may also test blood levels for various vitamins and
minerals.
It is important to determine the underlying cause
of malabsorption and discuss treatment options
for relieving symptoms and increasing your body's
ability to absorb important nutrients.
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