A new study has found that scientists are closer to developing new treatments for patients who suffer from intestinal absorption disorders, according to findings published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrtition.
A team of researchers studied butyrate, which is a type of fatty acid that helps the growth and function of the intestines. Butyrate also increases the movement of proteins that helps sugars to be dispersed throughout the body.
With the discovery of this fatty acid, the researchers were able to better understand intestinal absorption illnesses, which could lead to the improvements in the treatment for the affliction. Future studies involving newborn piglets may also help develop these treatments because they have similar metabolism and physiology of human babies.
The scientists predict that results from the piglet study would be available as soon as this summer.
“There are so few therapies for persons with these illnesses, many of them premature babies,” said Kelly Tappenden, a professor of nutrition and gastrointestinal physiology at the University of Illinois. She added that the results “gives us insight into the cellular mechanisms whereby butyrate could really help people with intestinal failure.”
One way to prevent the development of intestinal absorption disorders is by adding vitamin B12 supplements to ones daily diet, according to Ohio State University. Vitamin B12 can be found in eggs, meat, poultry, shellfish, milk, and milk products.