Fecal fat measurement in the presence of long- and medium-chain triglycerides and fatty acids. Comparison of three methods

Scand J Gastroenterol. 1996 Sep;31(9):863-7. doi: 10.3109/00365529609051993.

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that some of the limitations of the Van de Kamer method for fecal fat measurement could be overcome with the Jeejeebhoy method or the near-infrared reflectance assay.

Methods: To test this hypothesis, a fecal fat test was carried out with the three methods, adding butter or MCT oil to the diet of four steatorrhoic patients. An in vitro recovery study of long- and medium-chain triglycerides was also performed.

Results: The Jeejeebhoy method measured long- and medium-chain fats more accurately than the Van de Kamer method. It found consistently higher steatorrhea values. Mean results of the near-infrared reflectance analysis resembled those of the Van de Kamer method, but with wide discordance of individual data.

Conclusion: The Jeejeebhoy method is more accurate than the Van de Kamer method for fecal fat measurement. The difference may be clinically relevant when most fecal fatty acids derive from medium-chain triglycerides. Near-infrared reflectance may be a viable proposition only when a greater degree of approximation is acceptable.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Celiac Disease / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids / analysis*
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Lipids / analysis*
  • Methods
  • Triglycerides / analysis*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Lipids
  • Triglycerides