Effects of Medium- and Long-Chain Saturated Triglycerides on Blood and Liver Cholesterol of Chickens and Rats.

Abstract

Summary Studies were carried out with chickens and rats to relate the ingestion of medium- and long-chain saturated triglycerides to the blood and liver cholesterol level. It was found that MCT significantly elevated the plasma cholesterol level of chickens compared with LCT. The reverse observation was made in rats where MCT was effective in lowering serum cholesterol. On the other hand, MCT-fed chickens and rats had a significantly lower liver cholesterol level than LCT-fed individuals. The significance of these findings with reference to the relationship between dietary fat and blood lipid concentration is discussed. We woulil like to acknowledge with thanks, excellent technical assistance of Mrs. Olga Donis and Messrs. Neil Boorman and Hans 1, utz. Wc would also like to thank Mr. V. K. Babayan of the E. F. Drew Co. for a supply of the medium- and longchain saturated triglycerides used in these studies.