Which of the following meals would be expected to leave the stomach most rapidly?
- A 500 mL of a hypertonic glucose solution
- B 500 mL of an isotonic carbohydrate drink ✓
- C 400 g of a fatty cream-based soup
- D 300 g of a solid meat meal
Correct answer: B. 500 mL of an isotonic carbohydrate drink
Explanation
Gastric emptying of liquids follows a simple exponential and is fastest with isotonic, low-calorie liquids. Hypertonic solutions are held back because duodenal osmoreceptors trigger reflexes and hormonal brakes such as CCK and GIP. Fats delay emptying most among nutrients, and solids must first be reduced to particles under 2 mm by antral grinding.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.