We assessed the usefulness of 13C-triolein breath test, for evaluating the disturbances in fat digestion and absorption. Five hundred mg of 13C-triolein was orally administered to fasted subjects early in the morning, together with 25g of peanut oil. Expired 13CO2 was collected over a period of eight hours at intervals of one hour, and 13CO2 was assayed by mass spectrometry. The 8 hours cumulative 13CO2 excretion ratio was calculated. In healthy individuals, this mean ratio was 18.0±4.4%. However, it was significantly lower (6.88±5.08, p<0.01) in the patients with intestinal diseases and pancreas resection, who were suspected of having disturbances in fat digestion and absorption. The 13CO2 excretion ratio correlated inversely with fecal fat content by chemical deters ination. Expired 13CO2 collection following 13C-triolein oral administration provides one of useful and simple methods for assessing the intestinal digestion and absorption of fat.
