Q. What is Streatorrhoea?

Streatorrhoea is more common in Crohn's disease due to heal resection. This may favour calcium-fatty acid complex formation and increased excretion. It may be accompanied by magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) losses. Steatorrhoea also favours increased absorption of oxalates. In addition, this state is marked with an increased binding of fatty acid to calcium and thus more oxalate is free in solution for colonic absorption. Fatty acid also increases the permeability of oxalate through colonic mucosa. Thus, a reduction in fat intake coupled with calcium, magnesium and zinc supplementation is suggested.