What is malabsorption syndrome, Biology

Assignment Help:

Q. What is Malabsorption Syndrome?

Did you know that a major part of the absorption of nutrients takes place in the small intestine and the set of enzymes involved in this process are called disaccharidases. In some conditions either genetically, or due to some intestinal damage there appears to be a deficiency of some of these enzymes, which in turn, leads to the malabsorption of some of the nutrients precipitating symptoms of diarrhoea, dissention and abdominal discomfort and steatorrhoea (fat in stools).

These conditions are together referred to as Malabsorption Syndromes. The term 'malabsorption syndrome', as you have learnt earlier also, is used to describe deficient absorption to a variable degree of a number of substances such as fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water.

Before we understand about this syndrome, let us look at the following case study. Anuradha, a teenager, presents to the physician's office with a two-year history of intermittent diarrhoea. Her reports reveal a past history of anaemia, anorexia and minor abdominal pain. Her weight has been the same for two years now. Her mother has attributed this to her having n "rough time in school". Her mother also questions whether the symptoms could be related to a recent move from their home. She has not yet reached menarche; A diet history suggests a normal diet with adequate iron intake. Can you guess what she suffers from and what could be the causative factors leading to such a condition?


Related Discussions:- What is malabsorption syndrome

Homework, How do adhesion and cohesion help plants move materials?

How do adhesion and cohesion help plants move materials?

The glomerular filtrate in comparison to the blood, What is the main transf...

What is the main transformation presented by the glomerular filtrate in comparison to the blood? Glomerular filtrate is the name given to the plasma after it has passed the glo

By which mechanisms pathogenic bacteria cause diseases, Q. What are few me...

Q. What are few mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria cause diseases? And why is this knowledge important? Pathogenic bacteria have characteristics called as virulence factor

Define changes associated with the skeletal system - ageing, Define Changes...

Define Changes associated with the skeletal system - Ageing? Skeletal bone loss occurs with ageing and may have serious consequences among the elderly. With ageing, there is so

The human population in a malaria ridden area, How does a sickle cell carri...

How does a sickle cell carrier have a benefit over the rest of the human population in a malaria ridden area? Why is organ transplantation from another person generally unsucces

Explain role of messenger the ribosomes, Q What is the role of messenger th...

Q What is the role of messenger the ribosomes and RNA for the protein synthesis? The mRNA is produced within the cellular nucleus and migrates to the cytoplasm where associated

Determine guidelines for planning balanced diets for elderly, Determine Gui...

Determine Guidelines for Planning Balanced Diets for Elderly? The key element in planning diets for the elderly should be nutrient-based dietary guidelines, in order to reduce

Explain hemicellulose, Hemicellulose In plant cell walls, the most abun...

Hemicellulose In plant cell walls, the most abundant compound present is α-cellulose with long fibers embedded in a matrix of cementing compounds (matrix polysaccharides). Thes

Explain empiric initial therapy, Empiric Initial Therapy  Until suscept...

Empiric Initial Therapy  Until susceptibility results are available, empiric initial treatment consists of a 4-drug regimen of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol.

What are compound eyes, What are compound eyes? Arthropods have compoun...

What are compound eyes? Arthropods have compound eyes made of many visual units called ommatidia. Every ommatidium transmits visual information by the optic nerve to the brain,

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd