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Related Concept Videos

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Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and...
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Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State01:25

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During the absorptive state, which lasts approximately four hours after a meal, the body absorbs nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. The carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids we consume are broken down into monosaccharides, amino acids, and free fatty acids for absorption. While carbohydrates and proteins are absorbed as-is, lipids are absorbed in their broken-down forms and then re-esterified into triglycerides within enterocytes before being packaged into chylomicrons. These absorbed...
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Carbohydrate Absorption01:25

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Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that serve as the body's primary energy source. Their digestion begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase partially breaks down complex carbohydrates such as starch into smaller oligosaccharides. This mechanical and enzymatic activity prepares carbohydrates for further processing in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State01:18

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The postabsorptive state usually starts about four hours after a meal and lasts until the next meal is eaten. During this time, the digestive system stops absorbing nutrients, and the body uses stored energy reserves to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
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The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, extending from the mouth to the anus, plays a pivotal role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. This process involves both mechanical and chemical actions facilitated by various enzymes.
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Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

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Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
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Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test OGTT and Insulin Tolerance Test ITT
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Intestinal Energy Absorption Is Associated with Glycemic Variability in Young, Healthy Adults.

M Alan Dawson1, Susan N Cheung2, Michael R La Frano3

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The Journal of Nutrition
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Human energy digestibility, a measure of intestinal energy absorption, is linked to metabolic health and gut function. Lower stool weight and higher glucose variability correlate with poorer energy absorption, impacting overall health.

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Area of Science:

  • Human physiology
  • Metabolic health
  • Gastrointestinal function

Background:

  • Human energy absorption from diet is incomplete, but its link to metabolic and gastrointestinal health is not well understood.
  • Intestinal energy absorption, or digestibility, plays a role in overall health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between energy digestibility and markers of cardiometabolic health.
  • To determine the relationship between energy digestibility and gastrointestinal function.

Main Methods:

  • Sixteen healthy adults consumed a controlled diet for 9 days.
  • Stool and urine were collected to measure energy and macronutrient loss, determining energy digestibility.
  • Correlations and multivariable regression analyses assessed relationships between energy digestibility, gastrointestinal transit times, and cardiometabolic markers.

Main Results:

  • Mean energy digestibility was 91.7%, with significant inverse associations found for wet and dry stool weight, gross energy intake, and fiber intake.
  • Positive associations were observed between energy digestibility and glucose variability (mean amplitude of glycemic excursions), colonic transit time, age, and whole-gut transit time.
  • A multivariable regression model indicated that dry stool weight, 24-h blood glucose variability, colonic and whole-gut transit times, and age collectively explained 95% of the variability in energy digestibility.

Conclusions:

  • Energy digestibility is a significant physiological factor influencing gastrointestinal function and glucose regulation.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering energy digestibility in precision nutrition strategies.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the implications of energy digestibility in various health contexts.