The effects were evaluated of various glycerophospholipids on the uptake of β-carotene solubilized in mixed micelles by human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Phosphatidylethanolamine markedly enhanced the transfer of β-carotene from the micelles to the cells, whereas phosphatidylcholine 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.
