The fatty meal test: an alternative to stool fat analysis.

Abstract

In view of the technical difficulties inherent in using stool fat estimations as a parameter of malabsorption, we used a fatty meal absorption test. Children under investigation for failure to thrive were divided into two groups, those having a normal stool fat output (less than 3.2 g/day) constituting the control group, and those having steatorrhea. After a fatty meal containing 25 g of margarine and 25 g of butter fat, we measured the rise of serum triglycerides and chylomicrons hourly for 5 h. Serum triglyceride rise of less than 100 mg/dl or less than 100% above basal values and the appearance of less than 7% of chylomicrons were considered pathological. Of our control group 95% had a normal rise of triglycerides; and 96% of our patients with steatorrhea had an abnormal rise. This test was more reliable than the two-point triglyceride test previously described for the diagnosis of fat malabsorption. The fatty meal test as described here is considered to be a useful test of absorptive function.

• Authors: R Goldstein, O Blondheim, E Levy, H Stankiewicz, S Freier
• Journal: The American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 38 Issue 5 Pg. 763-8 (Nov 1983) ISSN: 0002-9165 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6637869 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Chylomicrons
• Dietary Fats
• Triglycerides

Topics

• Celiac Disease (diagnosis, metabolism)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chylomicrons (blood)
• Dietary Fats
• Feces (analysis)
• Humans
• Infant
• Lipid Metabolism
• Time Factors
• Triglycerides (blood)