THE ABSORPTION OF FATS STUDIED IN A CHILD WITH CHYLOTHORAX

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Abstract
The absorption of fat via the lymph was studied in an otherwise healthy child with chylothorax by giving various dietary fats during 2-week periods and comparing the fatty acid composition of dietary fat and chyle fat. It appeared that the various fatty acids were not absorbed to the same extent. n-Hexanoic, n-octanoic and n-decanoic acid were not found, or found to only a slight degree, in the chyle. This was confirmed with an especially prepared fat, "capryl olive oil," containing 46% n-octanoic acid. The following hypothesis was evolved, based on the experiments prescribed: Certain fats may be absorbed almost without hydrolysis, e.g., the greater part of the markedly unsaturated fatty acids (such as olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and rapeseed oil). Other fats must first be hydrolyzed completely or partially, viz., the fats containing short-chain fatty acids, such as butter, coconut oil, and "capryl olive oil." In the latter case this hypothesis can not be reconciled with Frazer''s theory of particulate absorption.

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