Intestinal aspects of lipid absorption: in review

The rapidly evolving field of lipid absorption is reviewed with the thrust of new knowledge focused on the interpendency of the luminal and cellular phases of absorption. To date little attention has been paid to factors that regulate the phospholipid biosynthesis in the enterocyte. The availability of 20:4 omega 6 may be the rate-limiting factor for phospholipid synthesis. The source of 20:4 omega 6 is unknown, whether it be synthesized de novo the enterocyte or entirely originating from degradation of bile phospholipid. It has been established that dietary fat can modulate the enterocyte membrane lipid composition and transport properties. Specified fats such as as fish oils rich in 20:5 omega 3 and 22:6 omega 3 have been implicated as protective against hypercholesterolemia. However, the effects of these dietary fats on the transport of nutrients across the enterocyte are not yet known, nor are the mechanisms responsible for the adaptive responses of the brush border identified.