Digestion and absorption

Improved understanding of gastrointestinal tract physiology has led to major progress in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. For example, the development of oral rehydration therapy based on understanding of sodium transport across the enterocyte has helped to save thousands of lives each year. Digestion and absorption of nutrients involves a series of complex processes, some of which may be defective from birth (primary disorders), and others may malfunction because of diseased states (secondary disorders). © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved