However the main function of the small intestine is the absorption of the small food particles resulting from digestion. It contains many villi which increase the surface area for absorption. The large intestine moves the material that has not been digested from the small intestine and absorbs water.
Respiratory failure caused by botulism can result in death. About 50 years ago half of all patients with botulism died, compared to just 8% today. Patients with severe symptoms may need a breathing machine, intensive medical and nursing care for several months. Fatigue and shortness of breath may linger for many years.
Parents are being reminded not to feed honey to babies after three cases of botulism in the past year. Children under the age of one year are unable to fight off the botulism bacteria which can cause serious illness and lead to paralysis, The Food Standards Agency warned. Some parents may be tempted to use honey as a sweetener, it said. There have been only 11 confirmed cases of infant botulism in the past 30 years.