Definition: A chronic malabsorption syndrome, occurring mainly in residents of or visitors to the tropics or subtropics. The failed INTESTINAL ABSORPTION of nutrients from the SMALL INTESTINE results in MALNUTRITION and ANEMIA that is due to FOLIC ACID deficiency.
note "tropical": do not confuse with non-tropical sprue which is CELIAC DISEASE
See AlsoCeliac Disease
Other names Tropical Sprue; Idiopathic Tropical Malabsorption Syndrome