Lipids - Lipid Digestion

Question 1

Lipid Digestion

Answer 1

• Triglycerides form the bulk of fat in a Western diet.
• The digestion of triglycerides is aided by gastric lipase in the stomach and pancreatic lipase in the duodenum, which act to separate the glycerol and fatty acids.
• This process is facilitated greatly by the emulsifying action of bile, which increases the surface area of fat droplets.
• The resulting two free fatty acids and monoglyceride are transported into enterocytes, where they are rebuilt in the cell, packaged into chylomicrons and transported via the lymphatic system to the bloodstream.
• The fatty acids can be used or stored in adipose tissue.
  Enterocyte = intestinal cell, monoglyceride = glycerol + 1 fatty acid

Question 2

Optimising lipid digestion:

Answer 2

• Chew adequately and avoid drinking with meals.
• Increase bile production by optimizing stomach acid levels via zinc and B6-rich foods, bitter foods (e.g. chicory, rocket); stress management.
• Choleretics (increase bile production) and cholagogues (increase bile flow); e.g. dandelion, artichoke and turmeric.
• Ensure good hydration to support bile flow.
• Increase glycine and taurine, which are components of bile. Good sources include legumes, sea vegetables, spinach and eggs.
• Olive oil can stimulate bile secretion.