Preparation of regioisomers of structured TAG consisting of one mole of CLA and two moles of caprylic acid

TAG (MLM) with medium-chain FA (MCFA) at the 1,3-positions and long-chain FA (LCFA) at the 2-position, and TAG (LMM) with LCFA at the 1(3)-position and MCFA at 2,3(1)-positions are a pair of TAG regioisomers. Large-scale preparation of the two TAG regioisomers was attempted. A commercially available FFA mixture (FFA-CLA) containing 9-cis, 11-trans (9c, 11t)- and 10t,12c-CLA was selected as LCFA, and caprylic acid (C₈FA) was selected as MCFA. The MLM isomer was synthesized by acidolysis of acyglycerols (AG) containing two CLA isomers with C₈FA: A mixture of AG-CLA/C₈ FA (1∶10, mol/mol) and 4 wt% immobilized Rhizomucor miehei lipase was agitated at 30°C for 72 h. The ratio of MLM to total AG was 51.1 wt%. Meanwhile, LMM isomer was synthesized by acidolysis of tricaprylin with FFA-CLA: A mixture of tricaprylin/FFA-CLA (1∶2, mol/mol) and 4 wt% immobilized R. miehei lipase was agitated at 30°C for 24 h. The ratio of LMM to total AG was 51.8 wt%. MLM and LMM were purified from 1,968 and 813 g reaction mixtures by stepwise short-path distillation, respectively. Consequently, MLM was purified to 92.3% with 49.1% recovery, and LMM was purified to 93.2% with 52.3% recovery. Regiospecific analyses of MLM and LMM indicated that the 2-positions of MLM and LMM were 95.1 mol% LCFA and 98.3 mol% C₈ FA, respectively. The results showed that a process comprising lipase reaction and short-path distillation is effective for large-scale preparation of high-purity regiospecific TAG isomers.     

Effect of continuous enteral medium-chain fatty acid infusion on lipid metabolism in rats

This study compared (i) the relative effects of long-chain triglycerides (LCT) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), (ii) the influence of amount of MCT, and (iii) the impact of medium-chain fatty acid position, on plasma and lymphatic triglycerides and portal vein free fatty acids. The animals were fed approximately at 250 kcal/kg · day for 20h. The lymph from lymphatic duct and blood from portal vein and systemic circulation were collected. The results showed that feeding 100% MCT for 20h was sufficiently long to reduce significantly the level of linoleic acid in portal vein fatty acids and plasma and lymph triglycerides. However, this alteration induced by MCT feeding was partially prevented by adding LCT to the diet. The level of arachidonic acid was significantly reduced in plasma triglycerides by any of the diets containing medium-chain fatty acids compared to 100% LCT. When feeding MCT only, palmitoleic acid, presumably reflecting de novo lipogenesis, was increased in lymphatic triglycerides and portal vein fatty acids. Total saturated fatty acids as a total percentage of total fatty acids were also significantly increased in plasma and lymphatic triglycerides and portal vein fatty acids. Thus, when linoleic acid is limiting, the conversion of MCT into long-chain fatty acids by de novo lipogenesis is likely to be an important metabolic route. Providing LCT with MCT or 2-monodecanoin appears to limit this pathway.     

Lipolysis of different oils using crude enzyme isolate from the intestinal tract of rainbow trout, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>

Crude enzyme isolate was prepared from the intestine of rainbow trout. Positional specificity of the crude enzyme isolate was determined from both 1(3)- and 2-MAG products after in vitro lipolysis of radioactive-labeled triolein. The ratio of 2-MAG/1(3)-MAG was 2∶1, suggesting that the overall lipase specificity of the enzyme isolate from rainbow trout tended to be 1,3-specific; however, activity against the sn-2 position also was shown. In vitro lipolysis of four different unlabeled oils was performed with the crude enzyme isolate. The oils were: structured lipid [SL; containing the medium-chain FA (MCFA) 8∶0 in the sn-1,3 positions and long-chain FA (LCFA) in the sn-2 position], DAG oil (mainly 1,3-DAG), fish oil (FO), and triolein (TO). MCFA were rapidly hydrolyzed from the SL oil. LCFA including n−3 PUFA were, however, preserved in the sn-2 position and therefore found in higher amounts in 2-MAG of SL compared with 2-MAG of FO, DAG, and TO. Lipolysis of the DAG oil produced higher amounts of MAG than the TAG oils, and 1(3)-MAG mainly was observed after lipolysis of the DAG oil. The positional specificity determined and the results from the hydrolysis of the different oils suggest that n−3 very long-chain PUFA from structured oils may be used better by aquacultured fish than that from fish oils.     

Size and number of lymph particles measured by a particle sizer during absorption of structured oils in rats

Chylomicrons transport absorbed fat from the intestine to the circulation. During dietary fat absorption, the chylomicrons become larger in diameter, and in some studies an increase in chylomicron number has been observed as well. In the present study, we compared particle size and number in rat lymph following administration of four different oils. We administered fish oil, medium-chain TAG (MCT), and two structured oils differing in intramolecular structure, with either medium-chain FA in the outer positions of the TAG and long-chain n−3 PUFA in the sn-2 position (MLM oil) or with the reverse structure (LML oil), to lymph-cannulated rats and collected lymph in fractions for the following 8 h. Chylomicron size was measured by a particle size analyzer immediately after collection, and from these data the number of chylomicrons present was estimated. The number of particles in lymph increased during the absorption of oils containing long-chain PUFA (MLM, LML, and fish oil), whereas it was not affected by administration of MCT. The FA from MCT were probably absorbed via the portal vein; therefore, only a small number of particles were measured in lymph. When comparing the two structured oils, we observed a tendency toward a higher number of particles after LML administration, although the difference was not statistically significant. The highest number of particles after administration of all oils was observed in the size intervals 53–80 and 80–121 nm and probably represented small chylomicrons. Thus, the FA composition influenced the number of particles in lymph during absorption, whereas TAG structure had only a minor influence.     

Acute elevations of medium-and long-chain fatty acids have different impacts on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans

It has previously been shown that acute elevation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) in humans. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that an elevation of both medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and LCFA affects the endothelium differently from LCFA elevation alone. Ten healthy volunteers received an intravenous infusion of Structolipid^≿ (structured TG, MCFA/LCFA ratio 1∶1) and heparin for 2 h, while another 10 subjects received an infusion of Intralipid^≿ (LCFA only) and heparin. EDV and endothelium-independent vasodilation (EIDV) were studied in the forearm after local administration of methacholine chloride (2 and 4 μg/min) and sodium nitroprusside (5 and 10 μg/min). Forearm blood flow was determined by venous occlusion plethysmography. Intralipid and heparin increased circulating FA levels from 0.2±0.1 to 1.4±0.5 mmol/L (P<0.001) and reduced EDV by 20% (P<0.01). Although Structolipid and heparin increased circulating FA levels to a similar extent (from 0.4±0.1 to 1.8±0.4 mmol/L after 2 h), EDV was not significantly changed. EIDV increased slightly during both interventions (P<0.05). In conclusion, an acute elevation of LCFA attenuated EDV, whereas an elevation of both MCFA and LCFA did not influence EDV. Thus, FA composition seems to be of importance for EDV in healthy humans.     

Lipase-Catalyzed Interesterification of Schizochytrium sp. Oil and Medium-Chain Triacylglycerols for Preparation of DHA-Rich Medium and Long-Chain Structured Lipids

DHA-rich medium and long-chain structured lipids (MLSL) were successfully synthesized by lipase-catalyzed interesterification of microbial oil from Schizochytrium sp. with medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT) containing 99% of caprylic acid. Parameters that affected the reaction process were investigated and the conditions were selected as follows: lipase from Aspergillus oryzae, NS40086; reaction time, 8 hours; substrate molar ratio (MCT/microbial oil), 1:1; lipase load, 8 wt%; reaction temperature, 60 °C. Under these conditions, the proportions of MCT, MLSL, and long-chain triacylglycerols (TAG) in the final products were 12.5%, 62.8%, and 24.6%, respectively. The final product was then subjected to UPLC-MS/MS. Eighty-three types of TAG were identified, in which 54 types contained MCFA and MLSL species with relatively high contents were 22:6–8:0–8:0 (6.8%), 8:0–8:0–16:0 (7.5%), and 16:0–16:0–8:0 (7.5%). This product rich in MLSL with DHA and MCFA in the same TAG molecule is beneficial for fat digestion and absorption in infant and thus can increase the bioavailability of DHA at the molecular level.     

Lymphatic fatty acids in canines dosed with pharmaceutical formulations containing structured triacylglycerols

The intramolecular structure of dietary triacylglycerols (TAG) influences absorption. In this study, two different pharmaceutical formulations were compared containing TAG differing in fatty acid profiles and intramolecular structures: LML and MLM, where M represented medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA; 8:0) and L represented long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA). Lymph was collected from thoracic duct‐cannulated canines for 12 h and the fatty acid composition was determined. The lymphatic transport of total fatty acids was significantly higher than the amount dosed; hence, the small exogenously dosed lipid recruited a large pool of endogenous fatty acids. The LML vehicle led to a significantly higher total fatty acid transport than the MLM vehicle. The amount of 8:0 recovered in lymph was almost similar and low for both groups. The amount of LCFA recovered from the animals dosed with the LML vehicle was generally higher than from the animals dosed with the MLM vehicle; however, statistically significant differences were only found for 18:0 and 18:3n‐3. In conclusion, these results indicated that the fatty acid profile and intramolecular structure of administered TAG influenced the absorption of fatty acids in canines, also when the TAG was incorporated into a pharmaceutical formulation in low amounts.     

Cholestyramine alters the lipid and energy metabolism of chicks fed dietary medium-or long-chain triacylglycerol

The effects of cholestyramine, a bile acid binding polymer, on the lipid and energy metabolism of chicks given dietary medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) or long-chain triacylglycerol (LCT) were investigated. Chicks (from 8 to 17 days of age) were fed diets containing MCT or LCT at 200 g oil/kg diet with or without 2% cholestyramine under equalized feeding conditions. An adjusted LCT diet was formulated in order to supply another group with daily nutrients and dietary metabolizable energy (ME) equal to MCT groups, except for corn starch. ME intakes of chicks given MCT or LCT diets were reduced by cholestyramine; consequently, fat and energy retention was reduced, though the reduction was more drastic in chicks fed LCT. This was caused by a change in amounts of the fecal excretion of fat and bile acids. Cholestyramine enhanced the excretion of octanoic acid (8∶0) in the feces, which suggests that bile acids are needed for 8∶0 absorption. Cholestyramine affects the utilization of dietary MCT and LCT by lowering fat and energy retention in chicks. However, the effect of cholestyramine on MCT utilization was smaller than its effect on utilization of LCT.     

Distribution of medium-chain FA in different lipid classes after administration of specific structured TAG in rats

Structured TAG (STAG) containing medium-chain FA (MCFA) in the sn-1,3 positions and essential FA in the sn-2 position were synthesized by lipase-catalyzed acidolysis. In our previous studies we found that part of the MCFA from STAG could be absorbed in the small intestine; however, it was unclear how they were absorbed. In order to get a better understanding of the metabolism of STAG to improve future design and application of STAG, in the present study lymph lipids collected after feeding STAG were fractionated into different classes and the FA composition of each lipid class was studied by GC after methylation to FAME. Caprylic acid was detected in the fraction of TAG only after administration of 1,3-dioctanoyl-2-linoleyl-sn-glycerol (8∶0/18∶2/8∶0), whereas lauric acid was detected in TAG, DAG, and FFA as well as phospholipids after administration of 1,3-didodecanoyl-2-linoleyl-sn-glycerol (12∶0/18∶2/12∶0). We conclude that the enterocyte has the ability to reacylate the MCFA into TAG and that the intestinal absorption of MCFA from STAG mainly occurs by resynthesis of TAG. Caprylic acid from STAG is not incorporated into phospholipids, whereas lauric acid from STAG can be incorporated into phospholipids.     

Dietary medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols accelerate diet-induced thermogenesis in humans

This study investigated the effects of a liquid meal containing medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) on diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) and was conducted in double-blind cross-over manner. Twenty subjects participated in this examination. The subjects consumed the liquid meal, which was made with 14 g of canola oil (LCT, long-chain triacylglycerols) or MLCT containing about 12% medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured by indirect calorimetry. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was determined based on there parameters, applying the equation of Weir. Increase in DIT after ingesting the liquid meal with MLCT during 6h was significantly greater than with LCT (P<0.05). The results suggest that the substitution of MLCT for cooking oil is useful to control body weigh and fat in subjects.     

Lymphatic absorption of structured glycerolipids containing medium-chain fatty acids and linoleic acid,and their effect on cholesterol absorption in rats

The effects of various structured triglycerides containing medium-chain (caprylic or capric acids) and long-chain (linoleic acid) fatty acids on fatty acid and cholesterol absorption were studied in lymph-cannulated rats. A considerable portion of capric and caprylic acid was absorbed through the lymph duct, although to a lesser extent than was linoleic acid. Capric and linoleic acid located at the 2-position of 2-decanoyl-1,3-dilinoleoyl-glycerol (18∶2/10∶0/18∶2) and 2-linoleoyl-1,3-didecanoyl-glycerol (10∶0/18∶2/10∶0), respectively, tended to be absorbed more efficiently than those located at the 1- and 3-position or those from tricaprin (10∶0/10∶0/10∶0) or trilinolein (18∶2/18∶2/18∶2). A similar trend was observed when the medium-chain fatty acid was caprylic acid instead of capric acid. Caprylic acid absorption from 2-octanoyl-1,3-dilinoleoylglycerol (18∶2/8∶0/18∶2) was significantly greater (p<0.05) than from 2-linoleoyl-1,3-dioctanoyl-glycerol (8∶0/18∶2/8∶0) or tricaprylin (8∶0/8∶0/8∶0). Preferential absorption of caprylic and linoleic acid was not observed when the 1 to 2 and the 2 to 1 mixtures of 8∶0/8∶0/8∶0 and 18∶2/18∶2/18∶2, respectively, were administered. The structured lipids did not affect the lymphatic absorption of cholesterol. The results suggest that structured triglycerides composed of medium-chain fatty acids and linoleic acid may be more useful for the treatment of lipid malabsorption than are mixtures of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) and long-chain triglycride (LCT).     

Enzymatic Incorporation of Selected Long-Chain Fatty Acids into Triolein

Acidolysis of triolein (tri C18:1) with selected long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) was carried out using Candida antarctica (Novozym 435), Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme RM IM), Pseudomonas sp. (PS-30), Aspergillus niger (AP-12), and Candida rugosa (AY-30). A better incorporation of stearic acid (SA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), γ-linolenic acid (GLA), arachidonic acid (AA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) was achieved using lipase from Rhizomucor miehei. Lipase from Pseudomonas sp. catalyzed a better incorporation of linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into triolein. Thus, Rhizomucor miehei and to a lesser extent Pseudomonas sp. might be considered as providing the most effective enzymes for acidolysis of triolein with selected LCFA. In general, incorporation of LCFA into triolein (tri C18:1) may be affected by chain length, number of double bonds, and the location and geometry of the double bonds as well as reaction conditions and reactivity and specificity of lipases used. As the ratio of the number of moles of a mixture of equimole quantities of C18 FA to triolein changed from 1 to 3, incorporation of C18 FA into triolein increased accordingly with Rhizomucor miehei lipase. Similarly, incorporation of n-3 FA into triolein increased when ALA, DPA, DHA, and EPA were used. The same trend was noticed for a mixture of n-6 FA (LA + GLA + AA) and triolein.     

Solvent-free enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids containing CLA from coconut oil and tricaprylin

Lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of different TAG with CLA was performed to produce structured lipids (SL) containing CLA. An immobilized lipase from Mucor miehei (Lipozyme IM, Novo Nordisk Inc., Franklinton, NC) was used as the biocatalyst in a solvent-free system. Conconut oil and tricaprylin, which are sources of medium-chain FA, were the starting substrates, and a mixture of FFA (MFFA) containing 73% CLA was the donor of the acyl groups. For each TAG, four different ratios of TAG/MFFA were blended to prepare about 500 g of mixture containing 10, 20, 30, and 40% CLA (w/w). Each blend was reacted with 5% lipase at 65°C for 48 h under nitrogen. Over the range of TAG/MFFA ratios examined, CLA was incorporated effectively by the enzyme. Lipozyme IM exhibited no special preference for any particular FA, since the incorporation of FA was proportional to their concentration in the system. FFA, PV, p-anisidine value (p-AV), iodine value (IV), and saponification number (SN) were evaluated for all the SL. FFA, PV, and p-AV depended on the purification process and showed no significant deterioration of SL with respect to the original TAG, whereas IV and SN depended on the composition of the SL, mainly the CLA content.     

The effect of short-term lipid infusion on liver function and biliary secretion in rats

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of various lipid emulsions on the hepato-biliary system in rats. Rats were randomly divided into six groups and infused continuously for 48 hr with either long-chain triglycerides (LCT), medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) or a mixture of MCT and LCT. One group infused with physiological saline solution served as controls. Throughout this period the rats received a fat free dietad libitum. During the last hour of lipid infusion bile was collected for determination of bile flow and composition. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed and the morphology and lipid content of the liver determined. Only LCT lipid emulsions induced morphological changes and increased liver cholesterol content. In two rats infused with radiolabeled LCT, no labeled cholesterol was found in the liver, indicating that the excess hepatic cholesterol level may originate from enhanced cholesterol mobilization to the liver. Biliary cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations in LCT-treated rats were also elevated, as was the lithogenic index, whereas the other emulsions had no such effects. None of the emulsions affected the plasma liver function tests or bile flow. We therefore conclude that the lithogenicity of the bile in rats is directly related to the lipid components of the total parenteral nutrition and the type of triglyceride infused.     

Recoveries of rat lymph FA after administration of specific structured <Superscript>13</Superscript>C-TAG

The potential of the specific structured TAG MLM [where M-caprylic acid (8∶0) and L=linoleic acid (18∶2n−6)] is the simultaneous delivery of energy and EFA. Compared with long-chain TAG (LLL), they may be more rapidly hydrolyzed and absorbed. This study examined the lymphatic recoveries of intragastrically administered L^*L^*, M^*M^*M^*, ML^*M, and ML^*L^* (where ^*=¹³C-labeled FA) in rats. Lymph lipids were separated into lipid classes and analyzed by GC combustion isotope ratio MS. The recoveries of lymph TAG 18∶2n-6 8 h after administration of L^*L^*L^*, ML^*M, and ML^*L^* were 38.6, 48.4, and 49.1%, respectively, whereas after 24 h the recoveries were approximately 50% in all experimental groups. The exogenous contribution to lymph TAG 18∶2n-6 was approximately 80 and 60% at maximum absorption of the specific structured TAG and L^*L^*L^*, respectively, 3–6 h after administration. The tendency toward more rapid recovery of exogenous long-chain FA following administration of specific structured TAG compared with long-chain TAG was probably due to fast hydrolysis. The lymphatic recovery of 8∶0 was 2.2% 24 h after administration of M^*M^*M^*. This minor lymphatic recovery of exogenous 8∶0 was probably due to low stimulation of chylomicron formation. These results demonstrate tendencies toward faster lymphatic recovery of long-chain FA after administration of specific structured TAG compared with long-chain TAG.     

Interrelations of linoleic acid with medium-chain and long-chain saturated triglycerides

1. Effects of medium-chain (C₆–C₁₂) saturated triglycerides (MCT) and long-chain (C₁₄–C₁₈) saturated triglycerides (LCT) with and without linoleic acid (LA) supplementation were studied on rats fed purified diets
2. With 2% linoleic acid rats fed MCT and LCT grew somewhat better than those on a low-fat diet with the same supplement. Without linoleic acid those fed MCT grew better, and those fed LCT grew worse than those on the corresponding low-fat diet. MCT seemed to decrease, and LCT to increase linoleic acid requirements.
3. In survival studies 14 out of 18 rats fed 20% MCT were alive after 2 years; of their controls fed 20% lard, 10 out of 19 survived.
4. Reproduction studies in females gave equally poor results on unsupplemented low-fat, MCT, and LCT diets regarding implantation, birth weight, and survival rate. The weaning weights of the young on MCT were however the highest. With 2% LA weaning weights were equally high with LCT and MCT but lower with low-fat diet.
5. In animals fed low-fat diets not supplemented with LA, low serum cholesterol was associated with high liver cholesterol. With MCT, serum values were higher and liver values were significantly lower. With unsupplemented LCT, serum and liver values were high. When the three diets were supplemented with 2% LA, there were no longer any differences in the serum levels and in the liver levels. Whether ar not the presence of some oleate in the MCT and LCT influenced the cholesterol results is not certain.
6. The differences in the effects of MCT and LCT are discussed.

     

Lymphatic fatty acids from rats fed human milk and formula supplemented with fish oil

Absorption of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from human milk and formula supplemented with fish oil was studied to determine if the distribution route into lymphatic triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipid (PL) varies with the dietary source. Rats were intraduodenally infused with human milk or formula containing graded amounts of fish oil (0, 0.5, or 1.0 g/100 mL), and the mesenteric lymph was collected. Arachidonic acid (20∶4n−6) levels in lymphatic TAG and PL were highest from animals fed human milk. In the animals infused with formula containing fish oil, as the amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20∶5n−3) infused increased, there was essentially an equal increase of EPA associated with both lymphatic TAG and PL. Animals intraduodenally infused with human milk or formula without fish oil had only minor levels (less than 1%) of EPA in the lymph. In the fish oil-treated animals, as the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22∶6n−3) infused increased, there was a 16-fold increase in DHA associated with lymphatic TAG, but only a 3-fold increase in DHA associated with lymphatic PL. The highest level of DHA in rats infused with human milk was observed in lymphatic PL. Hence, fish oil can be added to formula as a source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the distribution of fatty acids into lymphatic TAG and PL is not the same as that observed with human milk.     

Lymphatic transport in rats of interesterified oils containing conjugated linoleic acids

In this study we examined the lymphatic transport in rats of FA after administration of interesterified oils containing CLA, with emphasis on the location of CLA and octanoic acid in the TAG. The oils were produced by enzymatic interesterification. Eight oils with different structures or FA profiles were examined in this study: MCM, CMC, OCO, and COC, where M was expected to be octanoic acid and O oleic acid. In group 1, C was CLA as a mixture of the two CLA isomers c9, t11 or t10, c12, and in group 2, C was mainly the isomer t10, c12. Rats were subjected to cannulation of the mesenteric lymph duct, and the following day they were intragastrically administered one of the oils and lymph samples were collected for 24 h. The lymphatic transport of total FA from 0 to 8 h in group 1 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the OCO-1 and the COC-1 oils than for the CMC-1 oil. Similarly, in group 2 the transport was higher for the OCO-2 oil than for the CMC-2 oil. The recovery of both of the CLA isomers examined was similar (50-70%) and independent of the isomer, oil structure, and FA profile, whereas more octanoic acid was recovered from the CMC oils than from the MCM oils. The results indicated that the FA profiles and the position of octanoic acid had only a minor influence on the absorption of CLA.     

Effect of orlistat on fat absorption in rats: A comparison of normal rats and rats with diverted bile and pancreatic juice

Orlistat is a specific inhibitor of pancreatic and gastric lipases leading to decreased absorption of fat. In the present study, we measured the effect of orlistat on lymphatic fat transport in rats following intake of oils very different in FA composition and TAG structure, and compared this with the transport in normal rats and rats with fat malabsorption. Rats were subjected to cannulation of the main mesenteric lymph duct, and a feeding catheter was inserted into the stomach. In addition, malabsorbing rats were cannulated in the common bile and pancreatic duct. Emulsified safflower, fish, and randomized oils were administered, and lymph was collected for 24 h and analyzed for FA composition. Administration of 25 mg orlistat together with the dietary oils resulted in very small changes from baseline lymphatic transport, indicating that inhibition of the fat absorption was almost complete and furthermore that the source of fat had no influence on the inhibitory effect of orlistat. Orlistat did not interfere with the absorption of the hydrolysis products, since high absorption of sn-2 MAG and FFA (oleic acid) mixed with orlistat was observed. The baseline lymphatic transport in the orlistat group was higher than in the malabsorbing group, but this was the result of generally lower transport of endogenous FA in the malabsorbing group, presumably caused by the absence of bile FA. The transport of FA in normal rats was several-fold higher than the transport after orlistat addition and in malabsorbing rats. Thus, this study showed that orlistat inhibited fat hydrolysis, and thereby lymphatic absorption, almost completely independently of the fat administered.