Abnormally star-shaped red blood cells called acanthocytes and a low red blood cell count (anemia).

It follows an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a child must inherit a mutated gene from both parents to develop the condition. ⚠️ Hallmark Symptoms Symptoms usually begin in infancy and often include:

Chronic diarrhea, fatty or foul-smelling stools ( steatorrhea ), and failure to thrive (poor growth).

It is caused by mutations in the MTTP gene .

Loss of deep tendon reflexes, tremors, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination ( ataxia ).

This gene provides instructions for the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein ( MTP ), which is essential for creating beta-lipoproteins (like LDL and VLDL) that transport fats and vitamins through the blood.

Progressive vision loss and night blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa . 🧪 Diagnosis Doctors use several methods to confirm ABL: Abetalipoproteinemia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf