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Moderate disaccharide malabsorption does not affect weight gain and cecal cell proliferation in piglets
C Lawrence Kien1, James R Cooper, Wendy L Frankel
1Children's Research Institute, and the Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. clkien@utmb.edu
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|September 16, 2003
Summary
Moderate disaccharide malabsorption, where 50% of intake reaches the colon, does not cause diarrhea or hinder weight gain. This condition also does not negatively impact colonic cell proliferation in piglets.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Digestive Physiology
Background:
- Intestinal malabsorption of disaccharides/oligosaccharides is common in preterm infants, adults consuming dairy, and patients with gastrointestinal issues.
- Excessive colonic fermentation can potentially cause mucosal damage and impair fermentation due to excess fluid.
- Limited data exist on the effects of moderate carbohydrate loads reaching the colon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if moderate disaccharide malabsorption (approximating 50% of intake) affects weight gain and stool characteristics.
- To test the hypothesis that normal physiological outcomes occur despite significant disaccharide malabsorption.
Main Methods:
- Twelve 17-day-old piglets were divided into two groups: control (CON) and lactulose-modified formula (LAC).
- The LAC group received formula where lactulose replaced 50% of the lactose.
- Weight gain, fecal characteristics, cecal histology, and cecal cell proliferation were assessed over 5-7 days.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in diarrhea incidence between the CON and LAC groups.
- Formula intake and weight gain to intake ratios were comparable in both groups.
- Cecal cell proliferation was not significantly reduced in piglets with lactulose-induced malabsorption.
Conclusions:
- Moderate disaccharide malabsorption (50% of intake) does not inherently lead to diarrhea.
- Impaired dietary energy utilization or colonic cell proliferation was not observed under these conditions.
- These findings suggest that the gut can adapt to moderate levels of malabsorbed carbohydrates.