title: Fiber and the development of gastrointestinal function.
abstract: Dietary lipid represents a major calorie source for the developing infant, yet dietary lipid absorption is relatively inefficient by adult standard. Recent studies are presented, indicating that the developmentally related improvement in lipid absorption observed in the preterm and fullterm infant relate to the maintenance of an intact intraluminal phase and completion of the enterohepatic circulation for bile salts. Critical issues including the absorption of nonpolar vitamins, iron, and the type of dietary lipid are discussed. The possible influence of the introduction of dietary fiber to the food of the developing infant is examined, and areas for future investigation are discussed.
mesh_terms: D002482:Cellulose; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004064:Digestive System / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007408:Intestinal Absorption
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D002482:Cellulose