Editing Malabsorption (section)

===Presentation===
[[File:Small-Intestine-highlighted.gif|thumb|Small intestine : major site of absorption]]
Symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways and features might give a clue to the underlying condition. Symptoms can be [[intestine|intestinal]] or extra-intestinal - the former predominates in severe malabsorption.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}
* [[Diarrhoea]], often [[steatorrhoea]], is the most common feature.  Watery, diurnal and nocturnal, bulky, frequent stools are the clinical hallmark of overt malabsorption.  It is due to impaired water, [[carbohydrate]] and [[electrolyte]] absorption or irritation from unabsorbed [[fatty acid]]. The latter also results in [[bloating]], [[flatulence]] and abdominal discomfort.  Cramping pain usually suggests obstructive intestinal segment ''e.g.'' in [[Crohn's disease]], especially if it persists after defecation.<ref name="julio" />
* Weight loss can be significant despite increased oral intake of nutrients.<ref>health a to z{{Cite web|title=Malabsorption syndrome|url=http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/malabsorption_syndrome.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070522222611/http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=%2Fhealthatoz%2FAtoz%2Fency%2Fmalabsorption_syndrome.jsp|archive-date=2007-05-22|access-date=2007-05-10}}</ref>
* Growth retardation, failure to thrive, delayed [[puberty]] in children
* Swelling or [[oedema]] from loss of [[protein]]
* [[Anaemia]]s, commonly from [[vitamin B12|vitamin B<sub>12</sub>]], [[folic acid]] and [[iron deficiency (medicine)|iron deficiency]] presenting as fatigue and weakness, and the first of which can give rise to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as [[Paresthesia|abnormal sensations]], [[Ataxia|difficulty walking]], and decreased mental abilities.
* Muscle [[cramp]] from decreased [[vitamin D]], [[calcium]] absorption. Also lead to [[osteomalacia]] and [[osteoporosis]]
* Bleeding tendencies from [[vitamin K]] and other [[coagulation factor]] deficiencies.