Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease [1]. According to the drug label, Lipitor works by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the production of cholesterol in the liver [3]. By inhibiting this enzyme, Lipitor reduces the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, leading to a decrease in the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood [3].

Saturated fat is a type of fat that is commonly found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Consuming high amounts of saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease [2]. While Lipitor does not directly impact the absorption of saturated fat, it does help to lower cholesterol levels, including LDL cholesterol, which is primarily influenced by saturated fat intake [2].

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, statins like Lipitor have been shown to reduce the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestine [2]. This is because statins increase the expression of a protein called NPC1L1, which plays a key role in the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine [2]. By increasing the expression of NPC1L1, statins like Lipitor reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from the diet, leading to a decrease in blood cholesterol levels [2].

In conclusion, while Lipitor does not directly impact the absorption of saturated fat, it does help to lower cholesterol levels, including LDL cholesterol, which is primarily influenced by saturated fat intake. Additionally, Lipitor has been shown to reduce the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestine, which can contribute to its cholesterol-lowering effects.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Lipitor. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] Kruit, J. K., Kremer, A. E., Dai, L., Tang, R., Ruddle, P., de Wit, E. C., ... & Groen, A. K. (2005). Cholesterol efflux via the fecal route: a physiologic defense against cholesterol excess. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 115(3), 813-820. doi: 10.1172/JCI200522695
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2009). Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tablets for oral use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020702s057lbl.pdf