Intestinal digestion and absorption of cholesterol and lecithin in the human. Intubation studies with a fat-soluble reference substance.

Abstract

Cholesterol and lecithin absorption in man was studied by intestinal intubation. β-3H-sitosterol lipid-soluble marker. Cholesterol absorption was limited and progressed over the length of the small intestine; most extensive in the upper part. Lecithin was hydrolyzed to L-α-lysolecithin and free fatty acids, which were absorbed in parallel in the upper small intestine. 3.5–6.5 g lecithin and 0.2–0.4 g cholesterol were delivered via the bile during passage of a test meal. Phospholipids partitioned in a glyceride bile salt mixture in favour of the bile salt micellar phase.