Abstract: A class of novel compounds is described for use in affecting lymphatic absorption of cholesterol. Compounds of particular interest are defined by Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the intestinal (lymphatic) absorption, cellular concentration, biliary secretion, hepatic storage, and/or liver concentration of a fat soluble vitamin in a post-menopausal woman. The method comprises orally administering to a post-menopausal woman in need thereof, a fat soluble vitamin and a fat soluble vitamin absorption increasing effective amount of L-carnitine. The L-carnitine enhances the antioxidant defense mechanism and lowers the risk of certain degenerative diseases, such as coronary heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, osteoporosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's, in post-menopausal women. The invention also provides a method for increasing the intestinal absorption of a fat soluble vitamin in an animal. The method comprises orally administering to the animal in need thereof, a fat soluble vitamin and a fat soluble vitamin absorption increasing effective amount of L-carnitine.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that L-carnitine increases the intestinal (lymphatic) absorption of fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E, in post-menopausal women. As a result, L-carnitine enhances the antioxidant defense mechanism and lowers the risk of certain degenerative diseases, such as coronary heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, osteoporosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's, in post-menopausal women. The present invention provides a method for increasing the intestinal absorption, cellular concentration, biliary secretion, hepatic storage, and/or liver concentration of a fat soluble vitamin in a post-menopausal woman. The method comprises orally administering to a post-menopausal woman in need thereof, a fat soluble vitamin and a fat soluble vitamin absorption increasing effective amount of L-carnitine. The invention also provides a method for increasing the intestinal absorption of a fat soluble vitamin in an animal.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing the intestinal absorption of cholesterol in humans or animals are provided. Broadly, the methods comprise ingesting a composition (or a food product including the composition) comprising a substituted phosphatidylcholine compound, or comprising sufficient quantities of a phosphatidylcholine compound to provide from about 20-70% by weight of C18 or higher alkyl groups. Preferred substituted phosphatidylcholine compounds include monoether phosphatidylcholines, diether phosphatidylcholines (wherein the alkyl group bonded to the second carbon atom of the glycerol moiety is a C17 or higher alkyl group), or ester or diester phosphatidylcholines. Preferred C18 or higher alkyl groups include C18-C22 alkyl groups, preferably bonded to the second carbon atom of the glycerol moiety of the phosphatidylcholine compound.