How Dietary Fat Impacts Digestive Health & Nutrient Absorption

* Slowed gastric emptying. Fat delays gastric emptying, which can lead to feelings of fullness and satisfaction. This is one of the reasons why fatty foods are often used as a way to control weight.

* Increased intestinal absorption of nutrients. Fat helps to increase the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron.

* Production of cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK is a hormone that stimulates the gallbladder to release bile, which helps to digest fat. CCK also slows down gastric emptying and increases intestinal motility.

* Formation of micelles. Micelles are small spherical structures that are formed when bile salts, phospholipids, and fatty acids mix together. Micelles help to transport fat through the GI tract.

* Steatorrhea. Steatorrhea is a condition characterized by the presence of fat in the stools. Steatorrhea can be caused by a variety of conditions, including malabsorption syndromes, pancreatitis, and celiac disease.