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How does fat malabsorption predispose to calcium oxalate kidney stones?

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User Niry
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Final answer:

Fat malabsorption can predispose to calcium oxalate kidney stones due to the formation of insoluble calcium soap. When fat absorption is impaired, free fatty acids react with free calcium to form insoluble calcium soap, resulting in decreased calcium absorption and increased oxalate absorption. A high fat diet or conditions impairing fat absorption can increase the risk of these kidney stones.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fat malabsorption can predispose to calcium oxalate kidney stones due to the formation of insoluble calcium soap.

When fat absorption is impaired, free fatty acids are formed. These fatty acids then react with free calcium to form insoluble calcium soap, which is lost in the feces. This results in decreased calcium absorption and increased oxalate absorption, leading to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

A high fat diet or conditions that impair fat absorption, such as pancreatic insufficiency or biliary obstruction, can increase the risk of fat malabsorption and subsequent calcium oxalate kidney stones.

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User Chiggins
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