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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Western Human Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #157803
Title: CAROTENOID AND RETINOID METABOLISM: INSIGHTS FROM ISOTOPE STUDIES

Author
item Burri, Betty
item CLIFFORD, ANDREW - UNIV.CALIF.DAVIS, NUTR.

Submitted to: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/28/2004
Publication Date: 5/28/2004
Citation: Burri, B.J., Clifford, A.J. Carotenoid and retinoid metabolism: insights from isotope research. Archives Of Biochemistry and Biophysics 430 (2004) 110-110.

Interpretive Summary: We summarize and discuss the insights into the absorption and metabolism of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and lutein that were gained with the use of isotope tracers in humans and rats. We review recent developments in vitamin A and beta-carotene research using these advanced scientific methods.

Technical Abstract: Use of isotopes as tracers have had an important role in elucidating key features of vitamin A and retinoid metabolism in animal models and humans. Their use has shown that B-carotene absorption is variable, and that that the appearance of B-carotene, and its metabolites in the blood by time since dosing follow characteristic patterns. Retinol formed from B-carotene shows a different pattern, as does lutein. In this article we summarize and discuss the insights into the absorption and metabolism of vitamin A, B-carotene, and lutein that were gained with the use of isotope tracers in humans and rats. This research review summarizes recent developments on carotenoid and retinoid absorption, metabolism and excretion.