Absorption of Cholesterol-4-C14 in Rats Fed Mixed Soybean Sterols and -Sitosterol.

Abstract

The effect of plant sterols on cholesterol absorption was studied. Ring-labeled cholesterol was fed by stomach tube to rats into whose thoracic ducts cannulae had been inserted. Simultaneous feeding of mixed soy sterols or of beta-sitosterol with labeled cholesterol resulted in a pronounced reduction in the C14 recoveries in thoracic duct lymph. Approx. 50% of C14-cholesterol in lymph was esterified when the test meal contained only labeled cholesterol and cottonseed oil. Less of lymph''s C14-cholesterol was esterified when mixed soy sterols or sitosterol were added to test meal.