PLASMA RESPONSE OF CHILDREN TO SHORT-TERM CHRONIC BETA-CAROTENE SUPPLEMENTATION

Plasma concentrations of beta-carotene and retinol after supplementati on of children with beta-carotene in supplements and in foods were com pared in Guatemalan children. The children received 6 mg/d beta-carote ne [1000 retinol equivalents (RE)] as purified supplements or as carro ts for 20 d and the effects on plasma beta-carotene and retinol concen trations were assessed. Plasma concentrations of beta-carotene were in creased by 0.59 +/- 0.65 and 0.60 +/- 0.67 mu mol/L after supplementat ion with beta-carotene capsules for 10 and 20 d, respectively. Additio n of cooked carrots to the diet resulted in no significant change in p lasma beta-carotene. Fasting plasma retinol concentrations were 1.23 /- 0.35 mu mol/L and were not significantly changed in response to sup plementation with either of the carotene treatments or with retinyl pa lmitate (1000 RE/d) for 20 d. Possible explanations for the difference s in effects of plasma concentrations between the two methods of suppl ementation are discussed.