A fecal excretion of more than ____ grams of fat in 24 hours indicates fat malabsorption.

The correct answer indicates that a fecal excretion of more than 7 grams of fat in a 24-hour period is a significant threshold for identifying fat malabsorption. In clinical practice, normal fecal fat excretion is typically less than 7 grams per day. When a person excretes more than this amount, it suggests that the intestines are not adequately absorbing dietary fats, which can occur due to various conditions, such as pancreatic insufficiency, bile salt deficiency, or intestinal disorders.

In diagnosing fat malabsorption, the 7-gram threshold is widely accepted; levels over this indicate that the body is failing to utilize fats properly, leading to excess fat remaining in the stool. This measurement helps clinicians identify potential digestive or malabsorption issues that require further investigation or intervention.