The present invention is related to a novel use of a lanostane having the following formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in enhancing uptake of nutrients: wherein R 1 is either H or CH 3 ; R 2 is OCOCH 3 , =O or OH; R 3 is H or OH; R 4 is -C(=CH 2 )-C(CH 3 ) 2 R a or -CH=C(CH 3 )-R b , in which R a is H or OH, and R b is CH 3 or CH 2 OH; R 5 is H or OH; and R 6 is CH 3 or CH 2 OH.