A meal rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) would most likely lead to which of the following absorption patterns?

• A. Preferential incorporation into hepatic VLDL particles within the intestinal lumen prior to any enterocyte interaction, and immediate secretion into systemic veins bypassing the lymphatics.
• B. Extensive formation of chylomicrons loaded with intact medium-chain triglyceride molecules that enter lacteals and the lymphatic system because medium chains cannot diffuse into portal blood due to their excessive hydrophobicity.
• C. Rapid hydrolysis and absorption of the resulting short- to medium-chain fatty acids directly into portal blood capillaries, with minimal chylomicron formation and lymphatic transport.
• D. Complete failure of absorption because medium-chain fatty acids require bile salts to form very large micelles that can be endocytosed by hepatocytes in the intestinal lumen itself.

Answer: (C)