View source for Digestibility of Fat

[[File:Fat digestibility.jpg|right|300px]]
[[Fat Overview - Nutrition|Fat]] and [[Fatty Acids - Nutrition|fatty acid (FA)]] digestion begins in the [[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]] of both dogs and cats and involves coordination of the [[Pancreas - Anatomy & Physiology|pancreas]], [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]], and [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]] for optimal absorption.<ref name="NRC">National Research Council (NRC). (2006) '''Fat and Fatty Acids.''''' In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats. '' Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.86-87.</ref> In the stomach, gastric lipase cleaves triglycerides into free fatty acids (FFA). Once in the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenal lumen]], the FFAs stimulate secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK), which in turn stimulates gall bladder and pancreatic contraction. Pancreatic lipase and colipase further cleave FFAs, cholesterol and fat-soluble [[Vitamins - Nutrition|vitamins]] from the ingested fat, which are emulsified with bile salts from the gall bladder to form a mixed micelle. The mixed micelles are then absorbed into the jejunal enterocytes by passive diffusion (the primary mechanism of uptake) or carrier-mediated uptake, with specific binding proteins for cholesterol and long- and medium-chained FA chains. Resorption of bile salts by the [[Jejunum - Anatomy & Physiology|jejunum]] is low, with the majority of reabsorption occurring in the [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]]. Once in the enterocyte the FAs, cholesterol, and other phospholipids present are packaged into a lipoprotein rich compound called a chylomicron which is secreted into the intestinal lymphatic systems (lacteals). A smaller portion of dietary fat also passes directly into the portal circulation.

Apparent [[Nutrition Glossary#Digestibility|digestibility]] of fat can be affected by both animal and diet factors. Animal factors that can result in '''fat malabsorption''' include dysfunction in any of the organs responsible for fat digestion and absorption (e.g. stomach, pancreas, liver, and small intestine). Even in otherwise healthy animals, fat digestibility decreases with age in cats,<ref name="Peachey">Peachey SE, ''et al.'' (1999) '''The effect of ageing on nutrient digestibility by cats fed beef tallow-, sunflower oil- or olive oil-enriched diets. '''''Growth Dev Ageing ''1999:63:49-58.</ref>but remains relatively consistent in otherwise healthy older dogs.<ref name="Sheffy">Sheffy BE, ''et al.'' (1985)''' Nutrition and metabolism of the geriatric dog.''''' Cornell Vet ''1985;75:324-347.</ref> Dietary fat from fresh meat and seed oils have a relatively high digestibility of approximately 95-99%,<ref name ="NRC" /> which can decrease to 70-90% digestibility in commercial diets depending on processing<ref name="Kerr">Kerr KR, ''et al.'' (2012)''' Apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations of domestic cats fed extruded, raw beef-based, and cooked beef-based diets. '''''J An Sci ''2012;90:515-522.</ref><ref name="Huber">Huber TL, ''et al.'' (1986)''' Variation in digestibility of dry dog food with identical label guaranteed analyses, '''''JAAHA ''1986;22:571-575.</ref> and type of fat used.<ref>Adams KL and Jensen AH. (1984) '''Comparative utilization of in-seed fats and the respective extracted fats by young pigs.''''' J An Sci'' 1984;59:1557-1566.</ref> Shorter chain FA are more digestible than longer chains.<ref>Cera KR, ''et al.'' (1990)''' Evaluation of various extracted vegetable oils, roasted soybean, medium-chain triglyceride and an animal-vegetable fat blend for postweaning swine. '''''J An Sci'' 1990;68:2756.</ref> The presence of soluble fibres and starches can decrease fat digestibility, while insoluble fibres do not appear to significantly affect fat digestibility in dogs or cats.<ref>Burkhalter TM, ''et al.'' (2001)''' The ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber components in soybean hulls affects ileal and total-tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs.''''' J Nutr ''2001;131:1978-1985.</ref><ref>Kienzle E, ''et al.'' (2001)''' Effect of cellulose on the digestibility of high starch versus high fat diets in dogs. '''''JAPAN(Berl) ''2001;85:174-185.</ref><ref>Prola L,'' et al.'' (2010)''' Influence of cellulose fibre length on faecal quality, mineral excretion and nutrient digestibility in cat.''''' JAPAN(Berl) ''2010;94:362-367.</ref> Fat, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), is susceptible to oxidative damage and rancidity during processing and storage, which can adversely affect palatability of the diet. Prevention of rancidity requires addition of preservatives (i.e., antioxidants) to the diet;  increased PUFA intake also increases the dietary requirement of [[Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)|vitamin E]]  to prevent cellular oxidative damage.<ref>Niza MM,'' et al.'' (2003)''' Feline pansteatitis revisited: hazards of unbalanced home-made diets.''''' J Feline Med Surg'' 2003;5:271-277.</ref>

==References==
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[[Category:Fats]]
[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]
[[Category:To Do - Nutrition GGP]]