Present status of subclinical intestinal malabsorption in the tropics.

A review of the literature on subclinical intestinal disease shows its probable relevance in certain nutritional deficiencies in the indigenous residents of tropical climates. A significant incidence of intestinal disease has been defined among asymptomatic fit-looking adult Nigerians. The results of subsequent investigation into the pathogenesis of this disorder strongly point to hypoalbuminaemia as the important factor capable of producing a biochemically and histologically defined malabsorptive state leading to subnormal nutritional status among members of this community.