A wide spectrum of gastrointestinal illnesses impairs bone health and
can result in bone pain, demineralization, and fracture. This article
summarizes current knowledge of the skeletal pathology exhibited in pa
tients with diseases of the liver, biliary tree, pancreas, and bowel.
Mechanisms responsible for these syndromes and treatment options are d
iscussed. This article enhances the practicing gastroenterologist's kn
owledge of the implications of gastrointestinal illness for bone.