AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 240, Issue 1 1-G9, Copyright © 1981 by American Physiological Society
Mechanisms of intestinal fat absorption
Y. F. Shiau
Even though most of the major controversies regarding intestinal fat
absorption have been resolved over the past three decades, our concepts of
fat digestion and absorption continue to be modified, and new concepts have
emerged. The purpose of this review is to summarize advances in our
understanding of fat digestion and absorption since the topic was last
reviewed by Johnston in 1968. The discussion will emphasize 1) the role of
colipase and its interactions with lipase, bile salt micelle, and
triglyceride substrate; 2) the importance of the unstirred water layer in
fat absorption; 3) micellar formation and dissociation; 4) the role of
fatty acid binding protein; 5) factors influencing the reesterification
mechanisms in the intestine; and 6) intestinal contribution to lipoprotein
and apoprotein production. The importance of these new concepts and the
remaining gaps in our understanding of these complex digestive and
absorptive processes are discussed.
