Pinolenic Acid in Structured Triacylglycerols Exhibits Superior Intestinal Lymphatic Absorption As Compared to Pinolenic Acid in Natural Pine Nut Oil

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Biochemistry
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Fatty acid (FA) positional distribution in triacylglycerols (TAGs) influences intestinal absorption.
• Pinolenic acid (PLA), found in pine nut oil (PNO), is a unique FA with potential health benefits.
• Understanding PLA absorption is crucial for optimizing its dietary utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the lymphatic absorption of PLA from structured pinolenic TAG (SPT) with even FA distribution versus PNO with predominantly sn-3 positioned PLA.
• To investigate the impact of FA positional isomers on PLA bioavailability.

Main Methods:

• Structured pinolenic TAG (SPT) was synthesized using glycerol and free FA from PNO via lipase-catalyzed esterification.
• Lymphatic absorption of PLA was assessed in a rat model using lymphatic cannulation.
• PLA levels in collected lymph were quantified over an 8-hour period.

Main Results:

• Lymphatic absorption of PLA from SPT (28.5 ± 0.7% dose) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than from PNO (26.2 ± 0.6% dose).
• This indicates enhanced bioavailability of PLA when evenly distributed on the glycerol backbone of TAGs.

Conclusions:

• Evenly distributing PLA on the glycerol backbone of TAGs enhances its lymphatic absorption compared to natural PNO.
• Structured TAGs offer a promising strategy for improving the absorption and efficacy of specific dietary fatty acids like PLA.