6
Diagnosing Fat Malabsorption
Table 4. Common Symptoms and Signs of Fat Malabsorption
Abdominal
symptoms
• Greasy, large-volume, foul-smelling stools, steatorrhea
• Diarrhea, gas, bloating, cramping, abdominal distension,
fecal urgency
Biochemical
• Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency
Nutritional
• Persistent or unexplained weight loss
• Inadequate weight gain despite adequate nutrient intake
• When performing a comprehensive nutrition assessment of a patient with
fat malabsorption, consider evaluating serum levels and physical signs of
fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies. Please note that serum levels may not be
accurate in cases of acute illness or inflammation.
Table 5. Vitamin Deficiencies Associated with Fat Malabsorption
Vitamin Signs of deficiency
Vitamin A • Impaired night vision
• Dry eyes
• Scaly, nodular rash
• Hyperkeratosis at the hair follicle
• Frequent infections
Vitamin D • Osteoporosis or osteopenia
Vitamin E • Hemolysis
• Ataxia
• Muscle weakness and areflexia
Vitamin K • Bleeding
• Petechiae and purpura
• Malabsorption is often evident in a patient's clinical and nutrition
presentation (Tables 4 & 5).
