DIFFERENCES IN ABSORPTION OF THE VARIOUS FATTY ACIDS STUDIED IN CHILDREN WITH STEATORRHEA

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Abstract
In children with steatorrhea due to celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or ileectomy the extent of absorption of different fatty acids was studied by feeding fats of various fatty acid compositions. Differences between coefficients of excretion of different fatty acids suggested that there is a selective absorption which favors species of lower molecular weight; i.e., the lower the molecular weight, the greater the absorption. In addition we have found that a selection exists, which favors absorption of those acids with more double bonds. It is suggested that such a selective action is due to competition, and therefore absorption is a function of the fatty acid composition of the dietary fat. A given fatty acid is absorbed to a greater extent when it is fed in combination with fatty acids that are less well absorbed. For such competition and selective absorption to occur, extensive hydrolysis of the dietary fat is required in the small intestine. When hydrolysis was less complete, as in those patients with diminished hydrolysis due to cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, the differences in absorption of the various fatty acids were less marked. It is concluded that patients with steatorrhea may be benefited by ingesting fats composed of unsaturated fatty acids.