Differential Enhancement of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Absorption and Bioefficacy via Micellization in Combination with Selected Plant Extracts In Vitro

Stefanie Steinbauer, Melanie Wallner, Lisa-Marie Karl, Theresa Gramatte, Katja Essl, Marcus Iken, Julian Weghuber, Bernhard Blank-Landeshammer, Clemens Röhrl

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Abstract

Individuals with special metabolic demands are at
risk of deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, which can be counteracted via supplementa-
tion. Here, we tested the ability of micellization alone or in combination with selected
natural plant extracts to increase the intestinal absorption and bioefficacy of fat-soluble
vitamins. Methods: Micellated and nonmicellated vitamins D3 (cholecalciferol), D2 (ergo-
calciferol), E (alpha tocopheryl acetate), and K2 (menaquionone-7) were tested in intestinal
Caco-2 or buccal TR146 cells in combination with curcuma (Curcuma longa), black pepper
(Piper nigrum), or ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) plant extracts. The vitamin uptake was
quantified via HPLC-MS, and bioefficacy was assessed via gene expression analyses or
the Griess assay for nitric oxide generation. Results: Micellization increased the uptake of
vitamin D into buccal and intestinal cells, with vitamin D3 being more efficient than vitamin
D2 in increasing the expression of genes involved in calcium transport. The micellization of
vitamin E acetate increased its uptake and conversion into biologically active free vitamin E
in intestinal cells only. The vitamin K2 uptake into buccal and intestinal cells was increased
via micellization. Plant extracts increased the uptake of select micellated vitamins, with
no plant extract being effective in combination with all vitamins. The curcuma extract
increased the uptake of vitamins D2/D3 but not their bioefficacy. Black pepper and ginger
extracts increased the uptake of vitamin E acetate into intestinal cells but failed to increase
its conversion into free vitamin E. The ginger extract augmented the uptake of vitamin K2
and increased NO generation additively. Conclusions: Our data substantiate the positive
effects of micellization on fat-soluble vitamin absorption and bioefficacy in vitro. While
the application of plant extracts in addition to micellization to further increase bioefficacy
is an interesting approach, further studies are warranted to understand vitamin-specific
interactions and translation into increased bioefficacy.
Original languageGerman (Austria)
JournalNutrients
Volume17
Issue number359
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jan 2025

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