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What does the large intestine absorb into the blood?

The large intestine houses over 700 species of bacteria that perform a variety of functions.The large intestine simply absorbs vitamins that are created by the bacteria inhabiting the colon.  It also absorbs water and compacts feces, and stores fecal matter in the rectum until eliminated through the anus and thus is responsible for passing along solid waste.

It absorbs some of the products formed by the bacteria inhabiting this region. Undigested polysaccharides (fiber) are metabolized to short-chain fatty acids by bacteria in the large intestine and absorbed by passive diffusion. The bicarbonates, which  the large intestine secretes helps to neutralise the increased acidity resulting from the formation of these fatty acids.

These bacteria also produce large amounts of vitamins, especially vitamin K and Biotin (a B vitamin), for absorption into the blood.


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