Abstract
Triglycerides are absorbed by the lymphatic system and have various functions in the body. It has been shown that some types of β-glucans have a positive effect on the systemic concentrations of cholesterol and lipid, presumably through interference with the absorption of lipid and/or reabsorption of bile acids. In the current study we investigated the acute effects of ingesting 2 g of β-glucan concentrates derived from barley β-(1→3)(1→4)-d-glucan or yeast β-(1→3)(1→6)-d-glucan on fatty acid content and composition in lymph and serum of 10 female pigs (initial weight 34.7 ± 1.1 kg) fitted with a permanent catheter in the jejunal lymphatic trunk in a cross-over design. Lymph was collected continuously for 8 h followed by a spot sample taken 24 h after. A significant effect of time after feeding was observed for all fatty acids in serum and for 18:0, 18:2ω6 and 18:3ω3 in lymph, but a significant effect of β-glucan was only observed for 14:0 (p = 0.049) and 22:6ω3 (p = 0.048) in lymph and 18:0 (p = 0.019) in serum. While the concentration of dietary fatty acids increased postprandially in lymph, the concentration of arachidonic and docahexanoic acid tended to decrease. Furthermore, there was a drop in concentration of all fatty acid in serum 1 h after the meal.
Highlights
It is well known that elevated levels of cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in serum in humans are linked to an increase in blood pressure and an increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease [1]
Dietary intervention only had a significant effect on few fatty acids in both lymph and serum, and no interaction was observed between time and diet in neither lymph nor serum
The current study demonstrated postprandial changes in the concentration and composition of fatty acids in lymph and serum, but very little effect of inclusion of β-glucan from barley or yeast in the diet was seen
Summary
It is well known that elevated levels of cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in serum in humans are linked to an increase in blood pressure and an increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease [1]. There is strong evidence that some types of dietary fibres can reduce the concentration of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in blood or help in maintaining a reasonable level [2]. The effects of the cereal based β-glucans appear to relate to their solubility and viscosity elevating effects, which is believed to interfere with the digestion processes in the gastrointestinal tract by reducing the rate and extent of lipid absorption and interfering with the reabsorption of bile acids. Some studies indicate that yeast derived β-glucans can modulate serum lipids, the evidence is scarce [8]
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