What is Sprue?

Sprue or psilosis is essentially a composite deficiency disease because of lack of food being absorbed as a result of a disease of the intestine or a metabolic disorder that means fat cannot be absorbed. The symptoms include diarrhea, inflamed tongue, anemia and weight loss. The condition was considered a disease of tropical climates but other versions have been seen. Treatment involves antibiotics, folic acid (to combat the anemia), vitamins and a high-protein diet. There may be an immediate improvement on returning to a temperate climate.