Mathematical modelling of gastric emptying and nutrient absorption in the human digestive system

Moxon, Thomas (2017). Mathematical modelling of gastric emptying and nutrient absorption in the human digestive system. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Mathematical modelling of the digestive system can be achieved by assuming the digestive system is described as a series of ideal reactors. A well formulated model could
give an understanding of how food products behave within the body, and offer some predictive possibility allowing the design of functional foods to have tailored nutritional responses. The models developed showed good estimates of the gastric emptying rates and glucose
absorption rates for solutions with different viscosities and glucose concentrations, when a feedback mechanism is included. Implementing a population balance for solid
breakdown in the stomach allowed for parameters to be linked to meal type. With parameter estimates from experimental gastric emptying of a solid meal being further validated against results for the same food type from different experimental results. The main outcomes of this work are (i) the inclusion of meals viscosity into models, and its effects on the gastric secretion and emptying rate as well as the mass transfer of nutrients in the intestinal lumen, (ii) the inclusion of a feedback mechanism on the rate of gastric emptying, and (iii) the development of a population balance to model solid
breakdown within the stomach.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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