Effect of Emulsifiers on Fat Absorption in the Normal Young Adult

Abstract

Summary No definite alterations in the chylomicron curves or the areas beneath them were produced in normal young men when the ingested fat was supplemented with an exogenous emulsifier or replaced with split fat. This indicated a similar rate of fat absorption in the subjects under these conditions. Neither Tween 80 nor glycerol monooleate, when fed to rats as a 6 per cent supplement to a standard fat meal, appeared to influence the rate of fat absorption as measured by recovery of the unabsorbed fat. Furthermore, there was no demonstrable effect on fat splitting or gastric and intestinal motility. These emulsifiers may have improved the animals' tolerance to fat at this level of intake. In contrast to observations made on individuals in whom fat digestion is impaired, no evidence was found of any influence by Tween 80 or glyceryl monooleate on fat absorption. Hence it may be concluded from this study that conditions naturally exist in the normal young animal for the maximum absorption of normal amounts of fat, so that the use of an exogenous emulsifier to promote lipolysis and absorption does not appear to affect the absorptive processes.