Alginate, small bowel sterol excretion, and absorption of nutrients in ileostomy subjects

The effect of alginate on ileostomy excretion of sterols and nutrients was investigated in six ileostomy subjects fed a constant low-fiber diet with or without supplementation with 7.5 g sodium alginate. A mean of 95% of uronic acids derived from the sodium alginate was recovered in the ileostomy contents. Supplementation with alginate increased fat excretion by 140% and decreased bile acids excretion by 12%. Sodium and potassium excretion were significantly increased whereas starch and nitrogen excretion were unchanged. Five of six subjects showed a decreased apparent absorption of iron and manganese with alginate, which, however, was not statistically significant. Absorption of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc were unchanged. Almost no digestion of sodium alginate occurs in the stomach and small intestine. The increased fatty acids excretion may be explained by the binding or trapping of fatty acids in the gel matrix formed by alginate, which may also cause a reduced bile flow. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60:751-6.