Long-term exposure to environmental pathogens leads to a generalized state of intestinal inflammation.
Chronic inflammation leads to both functional and structural changes which alter gut permeability and ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients.

Specifically, structural changes within the intestine include smaller villi, larger crypts (called crypt hyperplasia), increased permeability, and inflammatory cell build-up within the intestines.
These changes result in poor absorption of food, vitamins and minerals – or "modest malabsorption".
Long-term exposure to environmental pathogens leads to a generalized state of intestinal inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to both functional and structural changes which alter gut permeability and ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients.
Specifically, structural changes within the intestine include smaller villi, larger crypts (called crypt hyperplasia), increased permeability, and inflammatory cell build-up within the intestines. These changes result in poor absorption of food, vitamins and minerals – or "modest malabsorption".
Environmental enteropathy