Which statement about medium-chain triglyceride absorption is true?

Which statement about medium-chain triglyceride absorption is true?

• A. They are absorbed via the lymphatic system as chylomicrons.
• B. They are hydrolyzed and pass through enterocytes directly into portal circulation.
• C. They require prolonged contact with bile for absorption.
• D. They are absorbed as free fatty acids only.

Answer: (B)

Medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed differently from long-chain fats. After pancreatic lipase acts in the lumen, medium-chain fatty acids are released and are sufficiently soluble to cross enterocytes and enter the portal vein directly, delivering them to the liver without forming chylomicrons for lymphatic transport. This direct portal circulation route is what makes MCFA absorption distinct from long-chain fats, which are re-esterified and packaged into chylomicrons that travel via the lymphatics. They don’t rely on prolonged bile emulsification the way long-chain fats do, and while they are absorbed as fatty acids, the defining point is their direct entry into the portal circulation.

Medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed differently from long-chain fats. After pancreatic lipase acts in the lumen, medium-chain fatty acids are released and are sufficiently soluble to cross enterocytes and enter the portal vein directly, delivering them to the liver without forming chylomicrons for lymphatic transport. This direct portal circulation route is what makes MCFA absorption distinct from long-chain fats, which are re-esterified and packaged into chylomicrons that travel via the lymphatics. They don’t rely on prolonged bile emulsification the way long-chain fats do, and while they are absorbed as fatty acids, the defining point is their direct entry into the portal circulation.