Abstract The central role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) is to regulate calcium and phosphorus homeostasis through actions in the intestine, kidney, and bone. These actions…

Abstract The extent of digestion of the complete diet is a major determinant of how well trace metal (elements) are absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Malabsorption tends to reduce trace…

Abstract In the gastrointestinal tract, ionic balance, fluid absorption, and secretion are vital to maintain homeostasis allowing for the maintenance of a membrane potential, adequate nutrient intake, normal gut motility,…

Abstract Large quantities of fluid are transported across epithelial barriers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for secretion of saliva, gastric juice, bile and pancreatic fluid, and for fluid absorption in…

Abstract Iron derived from dietary sources is essential to support numerous physiological functions in mammals, including oxygen transport, energy production, antioxidant defense, and regulation of gene expression. Absorption of dietary…

Abstract Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for vision and life of humans because it is converted to the visual chromophore, 11- cis -retinal, and to the hormone, retinoic acid….

Abstract The pancreatic acinar cell synthesizes, stores, and secretes the enzymes and enzyme precursors required for the digestion of dietary proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. To meet the daily needs for…

Abstract Dietary proteins undergo luminal digestion by gastric and pancreatic proteases and then membrane digestion by peptidases associated with the brush border membrane of enterocytes. The end products of this…

Abstract Vitamin E (VE) is the generic term for eight naturally occurring molecules, four tocopherols, and four tocotrienols, exhibiting the biological activity of α-tocopherol. Its dietary intake has been associated…