Medium-chain triglyceride absorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency.
BACKGROUND
The role of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in the management of patients with pancreatic insufficiency is controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the absorption of MCTs in the presence of pancreatic insufficiency and the effect of pancreatic extracts on MCT absorption so as to clarify whether the replacement of usual dietary fats with MCTs is cost-effective.


METHODS
Six patients with severe pancreatic steatorrhea were for 5 days fed a low-fat diet to which butter (long-chain triglycerides (LCTs)) or MCT oil was added, with and without pancreatic extracts, in a crossover design.


RESULTS
Fecal weight and nitrogen losses were the same during MCT and LCT intake. Steatorrhea was substantial during both periods but was significantly lower during MCT than LCT intake. Fecal weight and nitrogen and fat losses were reduced by pancreatic extracts in both diets. Steatorrhea was the same when MCTs and LCTs were consumed together with pancreatic extracts.


CONCLUSIONS
MCTs are absorbed better than LCTs in the presence of pancreatic insufficiency but require pancreatic extracts for optimal absorption. No advantage is to be expected from replacing usual dietary fats with MCTs if pancreatic supplements are used.
Caliari
S
S
Division of Gastroenterologic Rehabilitation, University of Verona, Italy.
Benini
L
L
Sembenini
C
C
Gregori
B
B
Carnielli
V
V
Vantini
I
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002079:Butter; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D010188:Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010184:Pancreatic Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D004041:Dietary Fats; D010184:Pancreatic Extracts; D014280:Triglycerides; D002079:Butter