How might a lack of secretin cause or contribute to gastrointestinal problems?
If the digestion and absorption of dietary carbohydrates, fats or proteins is incomplete, due to a deficiency of secretin induced enzyme or bicarbonate function, undigested food particles will pass into the large intestine. If these particles are osmotically active, they will draw water from the mucosa cells as they make their way to the bowel, resulting in loose stools or chronic diarrhea. If they are not osmotically active, or if fermentation of sugars to yeast and bacterial overgrowth has interfered with intestinal function, constipation may result. Secretin deficiency might also contribute to lactose intolerance, as lactate is obtained from the metabolism of glycogenic amino acids. A hold up in this metabolism due to enzymatic dysfunction would result in a shortage of cellular lactate, causing problems with the digestion of lactose. What about infections and allergies? Many children with autism have abnormalities with their immune system and are highly susceptible to colds and infe
