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Biotin absorption by distal rat intestine.
1Section of Gastroenterology, University of Chicago, IL 60637.
The Journal of Nutrition
|December 1, 1987
Summary
The rat large bowel absorbs biotin, a vitamin synthesized by gut bacteria. This study demonstrates significant intestinal absorption, highlighting its nutritional importance.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Physiology
Background:
- Biotin (vitamin B7) is essential for numerous metabolic processes.
- Gut microbiota synthesize biotin, but its absorption in the mammalian large intestine is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regional differences in biotin absorption along the rat gastrointestinal tract.
- To determine the absorptive capacity of the large bowel for biotin.
Main Methods:
- In vivo intestinal loop experiments in rats with short (10-min) and long (3-h) incubations.
- Quantification of biotin disappearance and recovery in different intestinal segments (jejunum, ileum, cecum, proximal colon).
Main Results:
- Biotin absorption was highest in the jejunum and ileum.
- Significant biotin absorption occurred in the cecum (15%) and proximal colon (27%) over 3 hours.
- Absorbed biotin was primarily recovered in the liver, with smaller amounts in the kidney and plasma.
Conclusions:
- The mammalian large bowel possesses a functional capacity to absorb biotin.
- Bacterial biotin synthesis in the distal intestine may have nutritional significance for rats.