Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Chyle
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Chyle is a milky fluid (bodily fluid) consisting of lymph and emulsified fats, or free fatty acids (FFAs). It is formed in the small intestine during digestion of ingested fatty foods and taken up by lymph vessels specifically known as lacteals, unlike other components of digested food that are conveyed by veins. The lacteals are much better suited for the transport of FFAs away from the gastrointestinal tract.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]