Which term is when the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from food as it passes through the digestive tract?

• A. Obesity
• B. Anorexia
• C. Hiatal hernia
• D. Malabsorption

Answer: (D)

When nutrients aren’t absorbed properly in the small intestine, the condition is called malabsorption. Normally, after digestion, the small intestine’s lining soaks up sugars, amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream. If this absorption is impaired—due to conditions like celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, Crohn’s disease, or infections—nutrients pass through without being taken up. This can lead to symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies.

The other terms describe different situations: obesity is excess body fat; anorexia refers to loss of appetite or an eating disorder; a hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and can cause reflux. None of these specifically describe failure to absorb nutrients in the small intestine, so malabsorption is the most accurate term.