Human Rectal Absorption of Short- and Medium-chain C₂-C₁₀ Fatty Acids

Abstract

Background: Current knowledge on the colonorectal absorption of medium-chain fatty acids is limited. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the human rectal absorption of short- and medium-chain C₂-C₁₀ fatty acids in healthy volunteers. Methods: Dialysis bags containing 20 mmol·l^-1 of the fatty acids acetate, butyrate, hexanoate, octanoate, or decanoate in a phosphate-buffered (pH neutral) isoosmotic electrolyte solution were placed in the rectum for 30 min in 14 healthy volunteers. Absorption rates were calculated for all fatty acids, sodium, potassium, and water. Results