Absorption of Cholesterol-4-C 14 in Rats Fed Mixed Soybean Sterols and β-Sitosterol. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. 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. 2. Simultaneous feeding of mixed soy sterols or of β-sitosterol with labeled cholesterol resulted in a pronounced reduction in the C¹⁴ recoveries in thoracic duct lymph. 3. Approximately 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 β-sitosterol were added to test meal.