What are the primary lipid digestion products absorbed into enterocytes?

• A. Free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols (MAGs)
• B. Glycerol only
• C. Cholesterol only
• D. Peptides

Answer: (A)

When fats are digested in the small intestine, triglycerides are broken down by pancreatic lipase into free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols. These are the forms that enter enterocytes, either by diffusion or transporter-assisted uptake. Inside the enterocytes, these products are reassembled into triglycerides and packed with other lipids into chylomicrons for transport via the lymphatic system. Glycerol can be absorbed as well, but the primary lipid digestion products entering the enterocytes are free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols. Cholesterol absorption involves different mechanisms and is not a direct product of triglyceride lipolysis, and peptides relate to protein digestion, not lipids.