Effects of mono- and di-glycerides/phospholipids (MDG/PL) on the bioavailability of lutein and DHA in rats: more effective for lutein

The effects of mono- and di-glycerides/phospholipids (MDG/PL) combinations on lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) bioavailability in SD rats subjected to subchronic feeding with oil and emulsion systems were explored. MDG/PL increased the relative bioavailability of lutein and DHA respectively by 125.43 % and 114.51 % in the oil system and 111.15 % and 113.94 % in the emulsion, promoted lutein accumulation in the liver and spleen, and decreased the amount of lutein excreted via the urine and feces in both systems. These results suggest that the MDG/PL combinations effectively improve lutein and DHA bioavailability, especially lutein, which makes it a potential emulsifier of lutein and/or DHA in formulas or other preparations. Further study should be oriented to visualize the particle size and interfacial configuration of the MDG/PL and investigate the optimal formulation of MDG/PL and lutein and DHA for practical application.