ABSTRACT
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant class of phospholipid (PL) found in mammalian cells. This chapter reviews the metabolism of PC by the gastrointestinal tract in general and examines the effects of PC on the absorption and transport of dietary lipid. Increased PL turnover, in particular PC, during fat absorption has been reported by G. Hubscher et al. The liberated fatty acids can be used for triglyceride synthesis, while the glycero-3-phosphocholine can be transported via the portal blood for use in the liver. Pancreatic lipase acts on the triglyceride (TG) and results in the formation of 2-monoglyceride and fatty acid. An interesting characteristic of biliary PC is its fatty acid composition, which is extremely rich in palmitate and linoleate. The role of PC in the digestion and absorption of TG is complex. The dietary TG has to be emulsified to facilitate its hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase.
