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 |