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

Define functional role of sugars in food, Define Functional Role of Sugars ...

Define Functional Role of Sugars in Food? From the consumer's point of view, sugars are basically related with sweetness. Sweetness is essentially a physiological sensation. Th

What are the differences between minerals and ores , Menerals are naturally...

Menerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with a crystalline structure and a definite range of chemical formula. Ores are concentrations of minerals in rock.

Most important allosteric effector of glycolysis in liver, Name the most im...

Name the most important allosteric effector of glycolysis in the liver. Fructose-2,6-bisphosphate  is the most important allosteric effector of glycolysis  in the liver

Explain endonucleases, Explain Endonucleases Endonucleases  are  nucle...

Explain Endonucleases Endonucleases  are  nucleases present  in  the pancreatic juice like RNAase  andDNAase. These hydrolyze internal phosphodiester bonds which are located m

Person and being, What evidence is there that makes it seem humans have mor...

What evidence is there that makes it seem humans have more than a material existence?

Explain the dietary management in trauma, Explain the Dietary Management in...

Explain the Dietary Management in Trauma? Trauma As a result of metabolic responses to injury, there is an increase in the energy expenditure. Oxidation of body fat stores take

Define vitamins required for underweight - nutritional care, Define Vitamin...

Define Vitamins required for underweight - nutritional care? If the diet provides good amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamin or mineral supplements are usually not re

Explain the functions of folate, Explain the Functions of Folate? Folate,...

Explain the Functions of Folate? Folate, also known as folic acid, is essential for good health. Folate requiring reactions include those involved in phases of amino acid metabol

Clinical presentation - heart failure, There is a wide spectrum of potentia...

There is a wide spectrum of potential clinical presentations with heart failure. Most patients have signs and symptoms of pulmonary congestion including dyspnea, orthopnea, and par

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