What can malabsorption cause?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Vitamin deficiencies
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (C)

Malabsorption means the intestine isn’t absorbing nutrients from food as it should. When this happens, vitamins and minerals aren’t taken up in adequate amounts, so vitamin deficiencies develop. This is the most direct and common consequence, especially for fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K when fat absorption is impaired, and for B12 and folate as well. Deficiencies can lead to a range of issues such as night blindness or eye problems (A), bone weakness or deformities (D), easy bruising or bleeding (K), and anemia or neuropathy (B12/folate). Weight gain or increased appetite aren’t typical outcomes of malabsorption, and hyperglycemia isn’t a direct result.