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

Digestive system, which enzymes are required for digestion in cockroach?

which enzymes are required for digestion in cockroach?

Define adsorption chromatography -basic separation technique, Define Adsorp...

Define Adsorption chromatography - Basic Separation Technique? Adsorption is surface interaction and is by number of forces, between surface atoms of solids and molecules of ex

Essential and non – essential amino acids, Essential and Non – Essential Am...

Essential and Non – Essential Amino Acids The requirement of essential amino acids differs from organism to organism. Some bacteria require only one amino acid in sufficient q

Examples of natural selection, EXAMPLES OF NATURAL SELECTION - 1 .   ...

EXAMPLES OF NATURAL SELECTION - 1 .       INDUSTRIAL MELANISM - First studied by Fischer & Ford (1845) on pepperd moth (Biston betularia) of two types : grey moth (B.

Animals of the open water zone, Animals of the open water zone The li...

Animals of the open water zone The limnetic region of this zone contains certain fishes as well as rotifers, zooplankton such as crustacean and protozoan. In the profundal zo

Explain the drug effects on nutritional status, Explain the Drug Effects on...

Explain the Drug Effects on Nutritional Status? Drugs can affect nutritional status in a number of ways i.e. by enhancing excretion of certain nutrients, by interfering with nu

Taxonomy, Agroup of realated genera are classified as-?

Agroup of realated genera are classified as-?

Meteorological factors and air pollution, Meteorological Factors and Air Po...

Meteorological Factors and Air Pollution Air pollution levels in a region are affected by wind, location, topography, precipitation and temperature inversions. Wind can carry

What is lymphatic network, What is Lymphatic Network? The lymphatic net...

What is Lymphatic Network? The lymphatic network consists of the lymphatic vessels, which circulate lymph throughout the body. Lymph is a liquid which carries out exchange of g

Anticoagulation issues, Extra Cranial MAs Intrathoracic or intra-abdomin...

Extra Cranial MAs Intrathoracic or intra-abdominal MAs are often asymptomatic until leakage or rupture occurs. Most extracranial MAs (ECMAs) will rupture if not excised. The app

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