Green tea influences intestinal assimilation of lipids in humans: a pilot study

A. Lisowska, B. Stawińska-Witoszyńska, J. Bajerska, P. Krzyżanowska, J. Walkowiak

Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolism Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland. jarwalk@ump.edu.pl

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• Gastroenterology

OBJECTIVE: Many data show that green tea (GT) consumption has a beneficial effect on human health, including antiinflammatory, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic activities. However, there are no data on the effect of long-term GT intake on lipid assimilation not related to luminal processes. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the impact of a three-month diet enriched in green tea extract (GTE) on lipid digestion and absorption in obese humans with metabolic syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight obese subjects aged 56-65 years, for three months, consumed a daily portion of GTE enriched bread. 13C-labelled mixed triglyceride breath test (13C MTG-BT) was performed twice; once before and once after three months of GTE consumption. Cumulative percentage dose recovery (CPDR) was assumed to reflect digestion and absorption of lipids.

RESULTS: Energy and macronutrient intake was stable within the period study. No significant changes in basic anthropological parameters (body weight, BMI, WC, WHR), body fat content (expressed as absolute and relative values), as well as of energy expenditure in the course of the study were observed. Significant decrease in lipid digestion and absorption as assessed using the 13C MTG-BT was observed. CPDR was lower after GTE intake (median <1st-3rd quartile>: 20.8% <14.9-25.6> vs. 15.5 <12.3-20.5>; p < 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term diet containing GTE decreases lipid assimilation, but probably without involvement of luminal effects. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis and to clarify underlying mechanism.

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