Abstract
Beta-carotene is an avid singlet oxygen radical quencher and hence a strong antioxidant. Its use has therefore been tried or suggested in conditions where oxygen toxicity is encountered, viz erythropoietic protoporphyria, pulmonary oxygen toxicity in newborns, etc. Because of the possible risk of Vit A and liver toxicity, with β-carotene supplementation, we studied the effects of prolonged (1 month) administration of high dose β-carotene on the serum level of Vit A and liver functions in rabbits. MATERIALS/METHODS: Beta-carotene (Roche) was given (through the water) to 3 fullgrown white rabbits at a daily dose of either 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mgs/kg body weight. Serum was drawn 2x weekly and analyzed for levels of β-carotene and Vit A and liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT). RESULTS: Pre-treatment (control) serum values: β-carotene = 0.100 ± 0.041 mgs/dl; Vit A = 76 ± 42 μgs/dl; SGPT = 26 ± 4 units; SGOT = 21 ± 10.6 units. Within 1 week of treatment, β-carotene serum level attained steady state at concentrations > 10x control value (total mean = 1.36 ± 0.38 mgs/dl) with the mean concentrations in each animal at steady state (0.957 or 1.497 or 1.626 mgs/dl wherein 0.957 vs 1.497, p < 0.005; 1.497 vs 1.626, NS) directly related to the dose regimen. Likewise, the serum Vit A level attained steady state concentration at 2x control level (total mean = 137.8 ± 30.9 gs/dl, range = 66-175); however, the mean concentration in each animal at steady state was unrelated to the dose regimen. A slight rise in SGPT (33.9 ± 24.9 units) and SGOT (35 ± 37 units) occurred. After discontinuance of treatment, serum levels of Vit A and β-carotene approached control level after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively, and the liver enzymes, after 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: High dose treatment (optimum dose = 1.0 mg/kg) with β-carotene safely produces high serum levels of β-carotene (> 10x control) without the danger of hypervitaminosis A or liver injury. A return of the serum values to control level was noted within 1-3 weeks after the discontinuance of treatment.
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Ostrea, E., Kroll, D. HIGH DOSE SUPPLEMENTATION WITH BETA-CAROTENE: ITS EFFECT ON SERUM LEVEL OF VITAMIN A & LIVER FUNCTION IN RABBITS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 207 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00685
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00685
