Origins of Neutral Sterols in Human Feces Studied by Stable Isotope Labeling (D and 13C)

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Abstract
A stable isotope labeling (13C and D) was administered to 8 subjects in order to observe the short-term effect of phytosterols (Cytellin 9 g/day) or calcium (calcium gluconate 3 g/day) on the processes involved in cholesterol elimination in the feces. Under control conditions, the mean fraction of fecal cholesterol having a plasmatic origin was 69% and that of cholesterol secreted by the digestive tract 11 %. The reamining fraction represented unabsorbed dietary cholesterol. While both treatments reduced the absorption of cholesterol, Cytellin enhanced the fecal excretion of plasma cholesterol and calcium lowered it. The change observed in the rate of intestinal external secretion did not follow the change in the fecal excretion of cholesterol.