Protein nitrogen, amino acid and carbohydrate gradients in the rat intestine

Abstract

• 1.

  1. The nitrogen, amino acid and carbohydrate content of the different regions of the gastro-intestinal tract differ significantly depending on source of dietary protein.

• 2.

  2. There are significant differences in the molar ratios of the intestinal amino acid pool up to 4 hr after feeding.

• 3.

  3. The molar ratios and concentrations of individual amino acids depend on the dietary protein source, the region of the intestine and time after feeding.

• 4.

  4. Endogenous nitrogen recruitment is insufficient to maintain homeostasis in the entire intestine.