Absorption of vitamins and minerals - Small intestine

3 important questions on Absorption of vitamins and minerals - Small intestine

How are some electrolytes absorbed in the ileum?

1. Coupled sodium-chloride absorption
2. Chloride-bicarbonate exchanger

Why is the chloride-bicarbonate exchanger important in ruminants?

Keeps gut from being too acidic due to creation of VFAs during fermentation

How does the coupled Na+/Cl- transporter work?

1. CA generates H⁺ + HCO₃⁻ from CO₂ + H₂O.
2. At apical membrane, H⁺ is exchanged for Na⁺ & HCO₃⁻ is exchanged for Cl⁻, resulting in absorption of NaCl.
3. Because both acid (H⁺) and base (HCO₃⁻) are secreted into the lumen, there is no net change in luminal pH.

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