Question

Describe the mechanisms by which fat malabsorption and lactose intolerance were produced

Answer 1

Malabsorption is a state where there is abnormality in absorbing the nutrients from the gut(intestine) which results in nutrients deficiency and Anemia. The lack of absorption might be limited to a single nutrient or multiple nutrients depending on the severity of the problem.

There are three different types of Malabsorption depending on the specific features of lack of absorption which are;

- Selective Malabsorption which is namely related to lactose Malabsorption

- Partial Malabsorption which is related to abetalipoprotinemia which is lack of absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins from food

- Total Malabsorption is an exceptional state which refers to cases like coeliac disease

Digestion is a complex process where the food undergoes mechanical and enzymatic breakdown through which the carbohydrates, protein, fat, nutrients and minerals are absorbed. Mechanical process includes chewing, gastric chutney and to and fro movements of small intestine. Whereas, enzymatic process involves the role of gastric, billiary and pancreatic secretions for the digestive process. Any break in the mechanism of digestion can lead to Malabsorption which could be due to the following reasons:

- Mucosal damage

- Congenital or acquired reduction in absorbing surface

- Pancreatic insufficiency

- Issues with hepatic derangement.

Lactose Malabsorption And Intolerance refers to abnormality in absorption of lactose because of reduced expression or activity of the enzyme lactase.

Fat Malabsorption refers to lack of absorption of fat in the gut due to any abnormality in anatomical structure or enzymatic functions.

Please find the image for mechanism for the production of fat Malabsorption and lactose intolerance. The image is attached herewith.