Absorption of nutrient energy in southern Indian control subjects and patients with tropical sprue.

Fecal energy excretion was measured by bomb calorimetry, in a group of 30 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with tropical sprue, to determine the absorption of nutrient energy. The mean energy absorption in the healthy volunteers (91.6%) was less than in similar subjects in temperate climates. The reduction of energy absorption in the volunteers, who all have tropical enteropathy, suggests that this condition leads to wastage of 5% of energy intake. In patients with tropical sprue the energy absorption was significantly lower. A strict metabolic balance study was not essential to detect energy malabsorbers.