Absorption mechanisms · Physiology

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are often used in clinical nutrition for patients with malabsorption because:

  1. They reach the lymphatic system faster than long-chain triglycerides
  2. They are absorbed without micelle formation or pancreatic lipase
  3. They are taken up using the apical SGLT1 transporter
  4. They stimulate the gallbladder to release more bile salts
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Correct answer: They are absorbed without micelle formation or pancreatic lipase

MCTs are more water-soluble and can be hydrolyzed more easily than long-chain triglycerides. They can be absorbed directly by enterocytes even when bile salt or pancreatic enzyme levels are low.

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