Which condition can induce steatorrhea in patients?

Steatorrhea, characterized by the presence of excess fat in the stool, occurs when there is inadequate absorption of fats in the gastrointestinal tract, often due to insufficient bile salts. Bile salts are crucial for the emulsification of fats, which increases their surface area and enhances their absorption in the intestines. When the concentration of bile salts is low, the emulsification process is impaired, leading to malabsorption and the resultant steatorrhea.

In this context, although gallbladder removal can impact fat digestion, the gallbladder's primary role is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver until it is needed for digestion. Post-cholecystectomy patients might experience changes in fat digestion, but inadequate bile salt concentration directly relates to the body's ability to emulsify and absorb fats efficiently.

A high-fiber diet can actually facilitate better bowel movements and does not inherently cause steatorrhea; instead, it may assist in overall digestive health. Low carbohydrate intake does not typically cause steatorrhea, as it neither directly influences fat absorption nor bile production.

Thus, inadequate bile salt concentration is the most direct condition that can lead to the malabsorption of fats and ultimately result in steatorrhea.