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Table 2 Age related anatomical & physiological changes and their clinical manifestations

From: Non-neoplastic disorders in an aging gut: concise review

Age-related anatomical changes

Physiological effects

Clinical manifestation

Midgut & hindgut

 Intestinal villi shrink & broaden with age

↓ Absorptive surface area

Malabsorption

 Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Normal gut flora equilibrium is compromised

Bloating, pain

↓ Absorption of minerals like Ca, Fe, Folic acid

 Reduced peristalsis of large intestine

Increased large bowel transit time

Chronic constipation, diverticulosis

 Internal anal sphincter thickens & muscle strength of large intestine reduces

Increased rectal pressure

↓ Contraction in colon

Fecal impaction

Hepatobiliary system

 Total liver mass decreases with reduction in hepatic blood flow

↓ Albumin production

Undernutrition, impaired drug metabolism