Persorption

Persorption refers to a process in which relatively large particles pass through the intact wall of the intestine and enter the blood or lymphatic vessels 2. This phenomenon can be demonstrated easily, but food regulators often prefer to act as though it didn't exist 2. The process involves the absorption of particles such as starch granules, pollen, cellulose particles, fibers, and crystals, which can be incorporated into the digestive tract in considerable numbers 7.

The absorbed particles can then pass from the blood into the lymph, cerebral spinal fluid, and urine 3. In some cases, these particles can cause inflammation and lead to the absorption of toxins, which can contribute to various health problems 1. For example, the long-term deposit of embolising microparticles, which consist of potential allergens or contaminants, can be of immunological and environmental-technical importance 4.

The presence of persorption has been linked to various health issues, including fatigue, Alzheimer's disease, colitis, and immunodeficiency 2. In one study, rats fed a diet high in guar gum showed increased apparent permeability, indicating that intestinal permeability to foreign substances may be altered considerably by diet 8. This suggests that persorption may play a role in the development of these health problems.

It is worth noting that the process of persorption can be influenced by diet, with certain foods such as meat and raw liver potentially reducing the incidence of persorption 3. However, the exact mechanisms underlying persorption are not yet fully understood, and further research is needed to fully elucidate its role in human health 5.