Intestinal Absorption in the Old

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Abstract
Twenty healthy old subjects with ages ranging between 60 and 72 years are studied for their intestinal absorption. The xylose blood absorption and urine excretion tests were chosen for their simplicity, fair degree of accuracy, the availability of normal values by many workers with which to compare the results of this study, and the avoidance of any complicated techniques and procedures which may be resentful and tiring to these old people. The results show a mild but significant reduction in the blood xylose absorption test, denoting an impaired intestinal absorption. Possible causes are discussed on the basis of defective enzymatic activity, reduction in the numbers of absorbing cells, and vascular malfunction due to atheroma of the mesenteric vessels. There is also a marked reduction of the urinary xylose excretion test. This discrepancy between the mild reduction in the blood test and the marked reduction (to 1/2 the normal values) in the urine test may be ascribed to an affinity of the body to utilise xylose or to a selective urinary xylose retention action in the presence of other normal kidney functions. This mild reduction in intestinal absorption is discussed in relation to the loss of weight occurring in the old people without the presence of disease. It may explain some of the abdominal complaints which are otherwise considered functional. A scheme for relieving the effects of this defective intestinal absorption by adding 2 or 3 small meals in between the usual principal meals is advised.

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