Dr. Matt and Dr. Mike's Medical Podcast Fat Digestion & Absorption
Aug 9, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of fat digestion! Learn how triglycerides and cholesterol are broken down by lipases and what role bile salts play in emulsifying fats. Discover the importance of micelles in nutrient absorption and how chylomicrons transport lipids into the bloodstream. The discussion also covers gallbladder function, fat malabsorption causes, and even how certain medications can alter lipid uptake. This journey through fat metabolism reveals more than just digestion—it's a glimpse into the body's intricate workings!
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Fat Digestion Begins Before The Small Intestine
- Lingual and gastric lipases start triglyceride digestion in the mouth and stomach and are active in acidic conditions.
- This contrasts with amylase which is inactivated by stomach acid, so fat digestion begins earlier than many expect.
CCK And Bile Salts Emulsify Fats For Enzymes
- CCK and secretin coordinate pancreatic enzyme and bile release in the duodenum to enable fat digestion.
- Bile salts emulsify fats into micelles so lipases and colipase can access and hydrolyze triglycerides.
Micelles Shuttle Digested Lipids To Enterocytes
- Micelles transport monoglycerides, free fatty acids, cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins to enterocyte brush borders.
- Bile salts remain in the lumen for enterohepatic recycling rather than being absorbed with the fats.