It's a fact that the rectum can absorb some amount of nutrients.

So, a person should probably be able to live for quite some time while only absorbing nutrients via enema, right?

Can it be done?

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[–] 35 points 1 year ago (3 children)

From Wikipedia:

A variety of different mixes have been used for nutrient enemas throughout history. A paper published in Nature in 1926 stated that because the rectum and lower digestive tractlack digestive enzymes, it is likely that only the end-products of normal digestion such as sugars, amino acids, salt and alcohol, will be absorbed.[8]

Plus I think you’d have no lipid absorption, so you could probably survive longer than starvation, but I’m guessing not “quite some” time.

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  • [–] [S] 26 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Damn, that is tragic.

    I suppose one could decide to consume ass-absorbable nutrients only by enema, and supplement the incompatible nutrients orally. That won't be pure ass, but half a loaf is better than no bread.

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