Amino acid and peptide absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
Webb, K.E.
Federation Proceedings 45(8): 2268-2271
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-9446 PMID: 3720965 Document Number: 272280
Dietary proteins are digested and amino acids from these are utilized by ruminants to meet body needs for maintenance and production. The form in which these amino acids are absorbed and how they may be transported in the blood seem less certain than once thought. Free amino acids are absorbed and transported in the plasma as well as possibly in the blood cells. These 2 pools may serve unique functions and therefore deserve individual attention. Peptides are absorbed by the enterocytes. Amino acids in the peptide form seem to be absorbed more readily than free amino acids. The question of whether these peptides are hydrolysed in the cytosol of the enterocyte or whether they can pass intact into the circulation needs more attention. Evidence suggests that the portal appearance of peptides ranges from negligible contributions to as much as 70% of the amino acids appearing in plasma.