Retinyl esters, absorption hydrolysis

Retinol formed by retinyl ester hydrolysis (or originating as such in the diet) and dietary -carotene are solubilized in mixed micelles as discussed above, thus enabling these molecules to reach the microvillus membrane. In studies with everted rat gut sacs in vitro, El-Gorab et al. (1975) reported that micellar solutions significantly enhance uptake of both retinol and p-carotene over emulsions. Maximal uptake occurred at the critical micellar concentration of the bile salt mixture. At higher detergent concentrations, 3-carotene uptake declined whereas retinol absorption remained high. 

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