Recovery of Small-Intestinal Structure and Function After Residence in the Tropics

Abstract

Xylose absorption and jejunal villus architecture were frequently abnormal in asymptomatic Indians and Pakistanis who had moved to the United States. Significant improvement toward normal in both xylose absorption and villus architecture occurred with increasing periods of residence in this country. The intestinal abnormalities were not associated with ova and parasites in the stool or increased urinary indican excretion and did not correlate with continued ingestion of curried foods while in the United States. Elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were found only in subjects with normal absorption. Serum triglyceride levels rose in all of 12 subjects whose carbohydrate absorption improved during continued residence in New York City.