Effect of Glycerophospholipid Class on the beta-Carotene Uptake by Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

The effects were evaluated of various glycerophospholipids on the uptake of beta-carotene solubilized in mixed micelles by human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Phosphatidylethanolamine markedly enhanced the transfer of beta-carotene from the micelles to the cells, whereas phosphatidyleholine suppressed it. All the lysoglycerophospholipids enhanced the transfer, irrespective of the polar head group. Glycerophospholipids therefore have the potential to modify the intestinal absorption of carotenoids.