How are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) absorbed?

• A. They are hydrolyzed and pass through enterocytes directly into portal circulation.
• B. They are absorbed via lymphatics as chylomicrons.
• C. They require bile acids for absorption.
• D. They remain unabsorbed in the lumen and are excreted.

Answer: (A)

Medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed differently from long-chain fats. Pancreatic lipase hydrolyzes them to free medium-chain fatty acids and glycerol, and these shorter, more water-soluble fatty acids are absorbed directly by enterocytes and released into the hepatic portal circulation. They bypass the lymphatic system and chylomicron formation, which is why they don’t rely on lymphatic transport. Bile acids help with fat digestion generally but aren’t required for MCT absorption, and the idea of MCTs remaining unabsorbed is incorrect.