Absorption of medium and long chain triglycerides: factors influencing their hydrolysis and transport.

Recent clinical observations have indicated that triglycerides containing medium chain fatty acids may be useful in decreasing steatorrhea associ- ated with malabsorptive states such as pancreatic insufficiency and extrahepatic biliary tract ob- struction (1, 2). This suggests that significant amounts of medium chain triglycerides may be ab- sorbed under conditions in which there are de- creased intraluminal concentrations of pancreatic enzymes or bile salts. However, few quantitative data are available regarding the intestinal hydroly- sis and the rate of absorption of medium chain tri- glycerides as compared to long chain triglycerides.