Tag: Feces

Research confirms that human feces contain detectable levels of vitamin B12 and its inactive analogs. This presence is due to the synthetic capabilities of bacteria within the gut microbiome, but the location of production in the large intestine renders it largely unusable by the human body.

Approximately 30-50% of human feces is composed of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that reside in the gut. While these gut microbes are known to synthesize a variety of vitamins, particularly B vitamins and vitamin K, the location of this synthesis and the human digestive process prevent them from becoming a reliable source for human health.

The human digestive process begins the moment you see and smell food, triggering the release of saliva. But what is ingested food called as it travels through the body? The term changes scientifically as it undergoes transformation, from the initial mouthful to its final form as waste.

While the body absorbs most water-soluble vitamins in the small intestine, any excess is typically filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urine. The idea that are water-soluble vitamins secreted feces is a common misconception, as this is the primary route for fat-soluble vitamins and undigested dietary compounds.

Food travels through your digestive tract for 24 to 72 hours, but not all of it is absorbed. The end result is waste, which raises the question: what is the undigested food in our body called?

According to the National Cancer Institute, feces is composed of undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the intestinal lining. However, despite containing organic matter and traces of nutrients, the question, "Is there nutrition in poo?", must be answered with a firm no when it comes to human consumption due to extreme health risks.

Approximately 90% of all water and most nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine during digestion. The undigested matter from the small intestine is passed on to the large intestine, where the final stages of waste processing occur before elimination.

An average adult produces about 128 grams (or a quarter-pound) of feces per day, but this can vary widely based on diet and hydration. Understanding how much can feces add to your weight involves recognizing the difference between temporary fluctuations and genuine body mass changes.

Over 90% of dietary protein is typically digested and absorbed in the small intestine. The question of where is undigested protein excreted pertains to the small remainder that escapes this process, making a journey to the large intestine where it is handled by gut microbes before being eliminated from the body.

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are quickly eliminated in urine, the body stores fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they remain in your system much longer. While unabsorbed portions are excreted through feces, the body has a complex system for managing and eventually eliminating these vital nutrients.