GASTRIC-EMPTYING OF SOLID AND LIQUID MEALS IN HEALTHY-YOUNG SUBJECTS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 19  (8) , 1107-1113
Abstract
Gastric emptying was measured in 50 young healthy subjects by means of sequential scintigraphy with 2 radioactive markers. Gastric emptying of the solid component of the meal was slower than that of the liquid component, corresponding to a linear model (half emptying time, 112 min). Gastric emptying of the liquid component was different, following an exponential model although only after 45 min (100% of the liquid marker retained in the stomach after 15 min, 56.7% after 45 min, 43.3% after 75 min, and 35.5% after 105 min). Significant differences were found in gastric emptying of both solids and liquids among sexes; women emptied the stomach more slowly than men regardless of age, weight, height or body surface. A relationship was found between gastric emptying and the phase of the menstrual cycle. A quicker emptying of the liquid component was observed in smokers. These factors should be considered in the evaluation of gastric emptying studies.