Osteomalacia in the stagnant loop syndrome.

Osteomalacia in a 80-year old woman with malabsorption due to the stagnant loop syndrome is reported. The osteomalacia was associated with bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and increased bile salt deconjugation. Although the mechanism of osteomalacia in the stagnant loop syndrome remains uncertain, it is suggested that abnormal flora reduce the absorption of vitamin D by deconjugation of bile salts in the lumen of the small intestine.