When healthy young adults receive an intravenous fat solution at a standard dose, their blood levels of a digestive hormone called cholecystokinin rise from 2.4 to 4.8 picomoles per liter, indicating that normal dietary fat levels trigger the body’s natural production of this hormone.

We analyzed one assertion regarding intralipid infusion at 6 g/h and its effect on plasma cholecystokinin in healthy young adults. The evidence we’ve reviewed shows that when this fat solution is given intravenously, cholecystokinin levels rise from 2.4 to 4.8 picomoles per liter [1]. This hormone is involved in signaling fullness and stimulating digestion, particularly in response to fat in the digestive system. The increase observed aligns with what happens when dietary fat is consumed normally, suggesting the body responds to infused fat similarly to dietary fat. We found no studies contradicting this finding. What we’ve found so far leans toward the idea that intralipid infusion at this dose triggers a measurable rise in cholecystokinin. However, this conclusion is based on a single assertion, and we have not reviewed multiple studies or different dosages. The evidence is limited in scope and does not clarify whether this response is consistent across all individuals or how long the effect lasts. For now, we can say that in the context of this one observation, intralipid infusion at 6 g/h appears to raise cholecystokinin levels in healthy young adults — but more research would be needed to understand how reliable or generalizable this effect is. If you’re curious about how fat affects your digestion, this suggests your body reacts to fat in the bloodstream much like it does to fat in food.