The role of the small intestine is to complete the chemical breakdown of food and to absorb almost all nutrients.
Malabsorption syndromes are a group of conditions united by the fact that the small intestine fails to absorb sufficient amounts of certain nutrients and fluids.
These may be macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) or both.
Malabsorption syndromes can lead to malnutrition or symptoms associated with deficiency of specific nutrients.