Gastrointestinal absorption and metabolism of soy isoflavonoids in ileal-canulated swine.

The relative contribution of the small intestine to absorption and microbial metabolism of ingested isoflavonoids (IFN) was investigated in swine with canulae in distal ilea to facilitate collection of chyme (canula open). Weaned swine were fed a single meal containing ground roasted soybean and corn with canulae open followed by a second test soy diet at 48 h with canulae closed to allow passage of chyme into the large intestine. All remaining feedings were soy-free (corn-casein diet).

Isoflavonoid glucosides are deconjugated and absorbed in the small intestine of human subjects with ileostomies.

Background: Although soy isoflavonoids have a number of health-promoting benefits, information concerning the sites of their absorption and metabolism in humans remains limited. Isoflavonoid absorption from the gut requires deconjugation of glucosides to aglycones.

Objective: The objective was to investigate the role of the small intestine in isoflavonoid absorption and metabolism in humans.