Malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions

Studies of intestinal absorptive functions in 11 hyperthyroid and 14 hypothyroid patients showed that steatorrhoea was common in hyperthyroid patients and rare in hypothyroid patients. D-xylose malabsorption was present in both the groups of thyroid disorders being more common in hypothyroid one. Occasionally vitamin B12 malabsorption was found in 2 hypothyroid patients. Jejunal mucosal changes were almost unremarkable. Both fat and carbohydrate malabsorption in both groups of patients appeared to be casually related to the thyroid dysfunction.