absorptive state

(noun)

The period during digestion when anabolism exceeds catabolism.

Related Terms

Examples of absorptive state in the following topics:

  • Absorptive State

    • When the gastrointestinal tract is full, anabolism exceeds catabolism; this is the absorptive state.
    • Absorptive state is the period in which the gastrointestinal tract is full and the anabolic processes exceed catabolism.
    • The glycogen and fat will be stored in the liver and adipose tissue, respectively, as reserves for the post-absorptive state.

  • Postabsorptive State

    • The post-absorptive state occurs around three to five hours after a meal has been completely digested and absorbed.
    • The metabolic state achieved after complete digestion and absorption of a meal.
    • Several metabolic adjustments occur during fasting, and some diagnostic tests are used to determine a fasting state.
    • Metabolic changes toward the fasting state begin after absorption of a meal (typically three to five hours after a meal); "post-absorptive state" is synonymous with this usage, in contrast to the "post-prandial" state of ongoing digestion.
    • During fasting, post-absorptive state, fatty acid oxidation contributes proportionately more to energy expenditure than does carbohydrate oxidation.

  • Malabsorption of Nutrients

    • Malabsorption is a state arising from abnormality in absorption of food nutrients across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
    • Until the 1970s, it was assumed by scientists and medical professionals in the United States that all children (except a very few with allergies) could drink milk without problems.
    • Malabsorption is a state arising from abnormality in absorption of food nutrients across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
    • These symptoms are due to impaired water, carbohydrate, and electrolyte absorption; or irritation from unabsorbed fatty acids.
    • People whose absorptive surfaces are severely limited from disease or surgery may need long term total parenteral nutrition.

  • Dietary Fiber

    • Fiber does not bind to minerals and vitamins, so it does not restrict their absorption.
    • Evidence exists that fermentable fiber sources improve absorption of minerals, especially calcium.
    • Some plant foods can reduce the absorption of minerals and vitamins like calcium, zinc, vitamin C, and magnesium, but this is caused by the presence of phytate (which is also thought to have important health benefits), not by fiber.
    • Current recommendations from the United States Institutes of Medicine suggest that adults should consume 20–35 grams of dietary fiber per day, but the average American's daily intake of dietary fiber is only 12–18 grams.

  • Mucosa

    • It is the absorptive and secretory layer of the GI tract.
    • The mucosa is the innermost layer, and functions in absorption and secretion.
    • On the mucosa layer, small finger-like projections called villi and microvilli help to increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
    • The epithelium is the innermost layer and it is responsible for most digestive, absorptive, and secretory processes.
    • The small intestine epithelium (particularly the ileum) is specialized for absorption, with villi and microvilli increasing surface area.

  • Excretion and Absorption

    • The integumentary system functions in absorption (oxygen and some medications) and excretion (e.g., perspiration via the eccrine glands).
    • A major function of the integumentary system is absorption and excretion.
    • Due to the absorptive capabilities of skin, the cells comprising the outermost 0.25–0.40 mm of the skin can be supplied by external oxygen rather than via the underlying capillary network.
    • Differentiate between the absorption and excretion functions of the integumentary system

  • Absorption of Alcohol

    • Alcohol absorption can be slowed by ingesting alcohol on a full stomach.
    • Spreading the total absorption of alcohol over a greater period of time decreases the maximum alcohol level, decreasing the hangover effect.
    • In the United States, up to two million people have alcohol-related liver disorders.
    • Up to half a million people in the United States develop alcohol related liver cancer.

  • Epithelial Membranes

    • The mucous membranes are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, which are involved in absorption and secretion.
    • These mucus membranes are involved in absorption and secretion.  

  • Bile

    • Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that aids the process of digestion and absorption of lipids in the small intestine.
    • Since bile increases the absorption of fats, it is an important part of the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, such as the vitamins D, E, K, and A.

  • Absorption in the Small Intestine

    • The primary function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients and minerals found in food.
    • The function of the plicae circulares, the villi and the microvilli is to increase the amount of surface area available for the absorption of nutrients.
    • Describe the role played by the small intestine in absorption of nutrients