Comparative study on the digestion and absorption characteristics of n-3 LCPUFA-enriched phospholipids in the form of liposomes and emulsions

Abstract Previous studies have reported that phospholipids rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) in the form of liposome exhibited superior bioactivities than other formulation. However, the digestion and absorption characteristics of n-3 LCPUFA-enriched phospholipids were still unclear, restricting the molecular mechanism analysis related to their distinctive activities. The aim of the present study was to compare the digestion and absorption characteristics of DHA/EPA-PC in the forms of liposome and emulsion. The fatty acid composition and lipid species in serum, intestinal wall and content of healthy mice were determined after oral administration with DHA/EPA-PC. Results showed that the peak value of serum DHA/EPA level in the liposome group was significantly higher than that of the emulsion group (p