Which substances absorbed from the large intestine are used as energy?

Which substances absorbed from the large intestine are used as energy?

• A. Acetate, Propionate, and Butyrate
• B. Glucose
• C. Amino acids
• D. Bile acids

Answer: (A)

Energy in the large intestine mainly comes from short-chain fatty acids produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are absorbed through the colon wall and used as energy by the body; butyrate, in particular, is the preferred fuel for colonocytes, helping to keep the colon lining healthy, while acetate and propionate can be utilized by the liver and other tissues. Glucose is largely absorbed in the small intestine and serves as a primary energy source there. Amino acids are mainly absorbed earlier in the digestive tract and used for protein synthesis or energy as needed. Bile acids are involved in fat digestion and reabsorption rather than serving as an energy source.

Energy in the large intestine mainly comes from short-chain fatty acids produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are absorbed through the colon wall and used as energy by the body; butyrate, in particular, is the preferred fuel for colonocytes, helping to keep the colon lining healthy, while acetate and propionate can be utilized by the liver and other tissues. Glucose is largely absorbed in the small intestine and serves as a primary energy source there. Amino acids are mainly absorbed earlier in the digestive tract and used for protein synthesis or energy as needed. Bile acids are involved in fat digestion and reabsorption rather than serving as an energy source.