The present invention is related to a novel use of a lanostane having thefollowing formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof inenhancinguptake of nutrients:(see formula I)wherein R1 is either H or CH3; R2 is OCOCH3, =O or OH; R3 is H or OH; R4 is-C(=CH2)-C(CH3)2R a or -CH=C(CH3)-R b, in which R a is H or OH, and R b is CH3or CH2OH; R5 is H or OH; and R6 is CH3 or CH2OH.