[Intestinal microbial flora and resorption].

An abundant microbial growth in the small intestine is called "overgrowth syndrome". The dysbiosis existing hereby is to be characterized by the prevailing of certain sorts of germs. A series of typical symptoms is explained by the metabolic activity of microorganisms, in which case disturbances of absorption are uppermost. Morphological and histochemical changes of the intestinal mucous membrane as well as disturbances of the bile acid metabolism and the absorption of carbohydrates, fats and vitamin B12 are explained. Finally the author deals with the microflora in conditions of malabsorption.