1987 Volume 2 Issue 6 Pages 673-681
The absorption site and route of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate (EPA-E), the effect of bile, and particle size and purity of EPA-E on the absorption and identity on the absorption between EPA-E and sodium eicosapentaenoate (EPANa) were investigated after oral administration of 14C-EPA-E or 14C-EPANa in rats and the following results were obtained.
1. Radioactivity was rapidly absorbed from the small intestine and only 4.6% of the administered radioactivity was recovered from the intestine and intestinal contents at 24 hr after dosing.
2. Radioactivity was mainly absorbed through a lymphatic route after oral administration of 14C-EPA-E.
3. The absorption of 14C-EPA-E was promoted by a supply with bile.
4. It was presumed that the smaller particle size of EPA-E, showed the greater the absorption.
5. It was thought that there is no significant difference in the gastrointestinal absorption between EPA-E and EPANa.
6. The absorption of EPA-E from the gastrointestinal tract was not influenced by purity of EPA-E.
