Malabsorption Syndrome

Definition

Malabsorption syndrome is an alteration in the ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients adequately into the bloodstream.

— Kathleen D. Wright, RN

Defect of absorption of one or more nutrients; signs include diarrhoea, steatorrhoea, abdominal distension, weight loss, and specific signs of nutrient deficiency.

A nutritional syndrome caused by any of various disorders in which there is ineffective absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by diverse conditions such as diarrhea, weakness, edema, lassitude, weight loss, poor appetite, protuberant abdomen, pallor, bleeding tendencies, and muscle cramps.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a pattern of symptoms including loss of appetite and bloating and weight loss and muscle pain and steatorrhea; associated with celiac disease and sprue and cystic fibrosis