Absorption
Definition
Absorption is the process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall. It is crucial for delivering essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to various body tissues.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, particularly in the duodenum and jejunum.
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) require dietary fats for efficient absorption.
- Conditions like celiac disease and Crohn's disease can impair nutrient absorption.
- The presence of certain enzymes and bile acids is essential for effective absorption of macronutrients.
- Water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and C) are absorbed directly into the bloodstream without needing fat.
Review Questions
- Where does most nutrient absorption take place in the digestive system?
- What role do bile acids play in nutrient absorption?
- How do fat-soluble vitamins differ from water-soluble vitamins in terms of absorption?
"Absorption" appears in:
Study guides (10)
- Nutrition for Nurses - 3.1 Vitamins
- Nutrition for Nurses - 3.2 Minerals
- Nutrition for Nurses - 4.1 Digestion
- Nutrition for Nurses - 4.3 The Function of Digestive Organs
- Nutrition for Nurses - 6.1 The Impact of Nutrition on Neurological Wellness Across the Lifespan
- Nutrition for Nurses - 8.1 The Impact of Nutrition on Endocrine Wellness Across the Lifespan
- Nutrition for Nurses - 10.1 The Impact of Nutrition on Hematologic Wellness Across the Lifespan
- Nutrition for Nurses - 14.3 Treatments and Nutrition
- Nutrition for Nurses - 17.1 Assess and Analyze the Impact of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal System
- Nutrition for Nurses - 18.1 The Impact of Nutrition on Gastrointestinal Wellness Across the Lifespan
Related terms
Digestion: The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Micronutrients: Essential dietary elements required by organisms in small quantities throughout life to orchestrate a range of physiological functions.
Intestinal Mucosa: The innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract that facilitates nutrient absorption through its lining cells.
