Fat absorption pathway

The **fat absorption pathway** refers to the physiological process by which dietary fats are digested and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. This is not a single molecule or receptor but rather a complex sequence involving multiple enzymes (such as lingual, gastric, and pancreatic lipases), bile acids for emulsification, transporters on enterocytes for uptake, intracellular reassembly into triglycerides within intestinal cells, packaging into chylomicrons for lymphatic transport, and eventual release into systemic circulation[1][2][3][7]. The process is essential for energy supply to the body as well as for the uptake of critical nutrients like cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins. Disorders affecting any step can result in malabsorption syndromes characterized by steatorrhea and nutritional deficiencies[3]. **Note:** "Fat absorption pathway" is not a canonical molecular target but rather describes an entire physiological process involving many proteins/enzymes/receptors. Therefore, *is_incorrect* = true; this entry does not correspond to a specific druggable target but instead encompasses multiple components involved in lipid digestion/absorption[1][2][3].

Other names

Lipid absorption pathwayIntestinal fat absorptionLipid digestion and absorption

Inhibition of digestive enzymes (e.g., pancreatic lipase inhibitors reduce triglyceride breakdown and thus fat absorption) - Disruption of micelle formation or bile acid recycling impairs emulsification and uptake of fats