Abstract
Summary
A test has been proposed for evaluation of intestinal malabsorption states. It involves administration of isotopically tagged whole fat on one day and fatty acid on a separate occasion. By comparison of resultant radioactivity in blood and urine one can judge whether an abnormality found is due primarily to lack of proper digestive enzymes or to intrinsic difficulty with the absorption process. Normal figures with standard deviations are given for serum levels of radioactivity and for urinary and fecal loss. It was found that in normal subjects serum concentrations of radioactivity were lower following ingestion of tagged fatty acid than whole fat and the possible significance of this difference is discussed.
The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Mr. Raimond Hernits, Mrs. Shirley Barber, Mrs. Bernice Osborne, Mr. Paul Tocci, and Mrs. Lois Smith.
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