Bacteria in the small intestine indispensable for fat absorption

(Midwestern University) A researcher at Midwestern University led a new study showing that Western diets, high in fat and simple sugar, promote the growth of bacteria in the small intestine that increase fat digestion and absorption. The goals of the study were to determine if microbes were required for digestion and absorption of fats, to begin to learn which microbes were involved, and to assess the role of diet-induced microbes on the digestion and uptake of fats.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news