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Intestinal absorption of specific structured triacylglycerols
1Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Center for Advanced Food Studies, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark. huiling.mu@biocentrum.dtu.dk
Journal of Lipid Research
|May 16, 2001
Summary
Medium-chain fatty acids from structured triacylglycerols (STAG) are absorbed via the same lymphatic pathway as long-chain fatty acids. This involves hydrolysis, re-esterification, and re-synthesis within enterocytes, with partial hydrolysis being the primary mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) absorption from structured triacylglycerols (STAG) is not fully understood.
- MLM-type STAG contain both medium- and long-chain fatty acids, complicating absorption pathway determination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the intestinal absorption pathway of MCFAs from MLM-type STAG.
- To compare lymphatic transport of MCFAs and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) from STAG.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered specific MLM-type STAG (1,3-dioctanoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycerol, 1,3-didecanoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycerol, 1,3-didodecanoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycerol).
- Lymphatic lipids were analyzed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and mass spectrometry.
- Safflower oil was used as a control for comparison.
Main Results:
- Intact MLM-type STAG were detected in lymph lipids.
- Recoveries of specific STAG varied (0.6%–12%).
- New triacylglycerol species (MLL-, LLL-, MMM-type) were identified in lymph.
Conclusions:
- MCFAs from STAG are absorbed via the lymphatic system, similar to LCFAs.
- Absorption involves hydrolysis, re-esterification to triacylglycerols within enterocytes, and partial hydrolysis of STAG.
- This pathway complements direct portal absorption of free fatty acids.