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Effects of aging on intestinal lipid absorption
1Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, New York 12208.
The American Journal of Physiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Lipid digestion and absorption remain largely intact in aging individuals. However, illness or stress can impair these functions in older adults, necessitating further research into intestinal motility and lipoprotein transport.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Physiology
Background:
- Growing elderly population increases focus on age-related physiological changes.
- Potential impacts of altered lipid absorption include malnutrition or elevated cholesterol in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing data on age-related changes in lipid digestion and absorption.
- To identify areas requiring further investigation in the context of aging and lipid metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and critical analysis of published literature on lipid physiology in aging.
- Synthesis of findings related to digestion, absorption, and transport of lipids across the lifespan.
Main Results:
- Lipid digestion and absorption are generally well-maintained in aging.
- Intercurrent illness or stress can lead to impaired lipid handling in older individuals, unlike younger controls.
Conclusions:
- Aging itself does not significantly impair fundamental lipid digestion and absorption processes.
- Further research is needed on intestinal motility, stress adaptation, and lipoprotein assembly/transport in the elderly.
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