The effect of dietary saturated fat versus polyunsaturated fat on serum cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations in rabbits with partial ileal bypass.

Rabbits were fed semipurified diets containing either corn oil or coconut fat. Dietary coconut fat significantly elevated serum total cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations. Rabbits with partial ileal bypass (PIB) had significantly lower serum cholesterol and phospholipid values, irrespective of whether the diet contained corn oil or coconut fat. The effect on serum lipids of the type of fat was similar in control and PIB animals. Since PIB rabbits are known to excrete extremely high amounts of steroids with the feces, we suggest that our data point to a lack of interaction of the type of dietary fat with the fecal excretion of steroids.