Absorption of Sterols and Cholesteryl Esters in a Prawn, Penaeus japonicus

Abstract

This study deals with the absorption of sterols and cholesterol esters in a prawn, Penaeus japonics. The apparent percentage absorption of these substances was estimated by an indirect method using chromium oxide as an indicator. The sterols and cholesteryl esters examined gave percentage absorptions of 60.8-98.8% and 67.0-87.3%, respectively. The cholesterol level in the diet affected somewhat the percentage absorption of cholesterol in this prawn. The prawns fed on the 0.05-1.0%, levels of cholesterol showed similar percentage absorptions whereas the high doses (2.0% and 5.0%) of diet cholesterol caused a decrease in the percentage absorption of cholesterol.