small bowel function tests
Last reviewed 01/2018
All nutrients are absorbed in the small bowel, typically in the duodenum and jejunum. Bile salts and vitamin B12 are absorbed in the terminal ileum. The small bowel reabsorbs approximately 7 of the 8 litres of water which pass down the gut each day.
Small bowel function tests quantify the ability of the small bowel to absorb:
- carbohydrates
- fats
Pancreatic function tests may also be of relevance.
tests of carbohydrate absorption