title: Absorption of nutrient energy in southern Indian control subjects and patients with tropical sprue.
abstract: Fecal energy excretion was measured by bomb calorimetry, in a group of 30 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with tropical sprue, to determine the absorption of nutrient energy. The mean energy absorption in the healthy volunteers (91.6%) was less than in similar subjects in temperate climates. The reduction of energy absorption in the volunteers, who all have tropical enteropathy, suggests that this condition leads to wastage of 5% of energy intake. In patients with tropical sprue the energy absorption was significantly lower. A strict metabolic balance study was not essential to detect energy malabsorbers.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005223:Fats / Q000032:analysis; D005243:Feces / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D013182:Sprue, Tropical / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D005223:Fats; D009584:Nitrogen