The presence of undigested fat in the feces. This may be the result of failing to inoculate fatty foods with enough surfactant (biliary soap) to digest them, the failure of the lower small intestine to absorb them, or simply too much fat for even normal digestion to handle. Sometimes this can indicate liver, gall bladder or lipid metabolism diseases. Usually the causes are subclinical and treatable with less invasive approaches such as herbs.

	Diarrhea The Condition "...Individuals with maldigestion often are not systemically ill and can maintain their weight and activity in spite of massive steatorrhea because of a voracious appetite..." Intestinal Malabsorption Syndrome The Condition "...Anemia - macrocytic, due to impaired absorption of folate or vitamin B12; microcytic, due to iron deficiency Increased urine oxalate accompanying steatorrhea indicates an increase in colonic absorption of oxalates and their excretion in urine..." Magnesium Requirement The Condition "...The most common symptom of fat malabsorption, or steatorrhea, is passing greasy, offensive-smelling stools..." Steatorrhea The Condition "Steatorrhea is not a really a condition but a symptom in which fecal matter is frothy, foul-smelling and floats because of a high fat content..." Recommendation Stool Exam "...This measurement of the total output of fecal fat per 24 hours in a three-day specimen is the most reliable test for steatorrhea..."

Last updated: Feb 28, 2008