What percentage of fats can the small intestine absorb?

The small intestine is highly effective at absorbing fats, primarily in the form of fatty acids and glycerol, which are products of fat digestion. During the digestion process, dietary fats are emulsified by bile salts and broken down by enzymes like lipase. This increases the surface area for absorption.

The majority of absorbed fats are taken up by the enterocytes (intestinal cells) lining the small intestine. Research indicates that the absorption rate can be as high as 95%, particularly for long-chain fatty acids, which are then reassembled into triglycerides and transported through the lymphatic system in chylomicrons. This high efficiency is essential for providing energy and supporting various bodily functions, as fats are a dense source of calories and play critical roles in hormone production, nutrient absorption, and cell membrane integrity.

Other values such as 50%, 75%, and 90% do not reflect the full absorption capacity of the small intestine for fats, as they underestimate the efficiency of this process. Therefore, the correct understanding of fat absorption emphasizes that up to 95% of fats can be absorbed in the small intestine under normal physiological conditions.