Reduction in intestinal cholesterol absorption by various food components: Mechanisms and implications

A number of different food components are known to reduce plasma and LDL-cholesterol levels by affecting intestinal cholesterol absorption. They include: soluble fibers, phytosterols, saponins, phospholipids, soy protein and stearic acid. These compounds inhibit cholesterol absorption by affecting cholesterol solubilization in the intestinal lumen, interfering with diffusion of luminal cholesterol to the gut epithelium and/or inhibiting molecular mechanisms responsible for cholesterol uptake by the enterocyte. Cholesterol content of intestinal chylomicrons is subsequently reduced, less cholesterol is transported to the liver within chylomicron remnants, hepatic LDL-receptor activity is increased and plasma levels of LDL-cholesterol are decreased. Reduced hepatic VLDL production and less conversion of VLDL to LDL also contribute to lower LDL levels. Certain food components may also affect intestinal bile acid metabolism. Further investigation of the way in which these functional ingredients affect intestinal lipid metabolism will facilitate their use and application as cardiovascular nutraceuticals.