Sprue

Sprue is a chronic disease of the small intestine in which certain food elements, especially fats and some vitamins, are not absorbed properly by the body. This kind of disease is specially common in the tropics, but a related disorder occurs in cooler climates. 

Sprue's main symptom is diarrhea, at first watery and later consisting of foul-smelling, pale-colored stools containing undigested fat. A person with sprue loses weight rapidly and has a poor appetite. Anemia is likely to be present. If the vitamin B complex is not absorbed, the tongue becomes sore and shiny red in color.

The remedy for this chronic disease is a diet high in calories and proteins, but low in fats and gluten, the protein found in wheat and other cereal flours. Ripe bananas and skim milk are also beneficial. Anemia and vitamin deficiencies can be solved through iron preparations, folic acid, and vitamin B12