Summary of Studies on Malabsorption of Carbohydrates, Fat, and Protein in Alcoholics Without Cirrhosis or Obvious Pancreatic Insufficiency
| A. Frequency of Abnormal Absorption Among Alcoholics | ||
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| Nutrient Studied | Number of Studies | % Subjects With Abnormal Absorption |
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| D-Xylose | 5 | 18–76 |
| Fata | 2 | 35–56 |
| Proteinb | 1 | 52 |
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| B. Mean Decrease in Absorption Compared With Nonalcoholic Controlsc | ||
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| Nutrient Studied | % Decrease | |
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| Carbohydrates | 45 | |
| Lipids | 40 | |
| Protein | 81 | |
a
Fat absorption was determined by measuring fat excretion in the feces.
b
Protein absorption was determined by measuring nitrogen excretion in the feces.
c
The study measured the absorption of a nutrient solution in the duodenum.
SOURCES: A: Bode and Bode 1992; B: Pfeiffer et al. 1992.