| abstract |
This invention relates to a method for enhancing the absorption of oil soluble (lipophilic) compounds such as oil soluble vitamins, hormones, nutrients and drugs in an animal. The inventive method comprises administering a lipophilic compound in conjunction with a structured glyceride component characterized in that at least 40% of the glyceride species have: (i) about 33 to 70 wt. % of acyl moieties having 4 to 12 carbon atoms; (ii) about 30 to 67 wt. % of acyl moieties having more than 12 carbon atoms; and (iii) an equivalent carbon number greater than 30 and less than 48. This invention also relates to compositions suitable for administrating to an animal comprising a lipophilic compound and a structured glyceride component characterized in that at least 40% of the glyceride species have: (i) about 33 to 70 wt. % of acyl moieties having 4 to 12 carbon atoms; (ii) about 30 to 67 wt. % of acyl moieties having more than 12 carbon atoms; and (iii) an equivalent carbon number greater than 30 and less than 48. The method and compositions of the invention are especially suited for animals that suffer from lipid malabsorption conditions such as Crohn's disease, Cystic fibrosis, and short bowel syndrome. |