Amount of fat in the diet affects bioavailability of lutein esters but notof alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in humans

Background: Fat-soluble vitamin E and carotenoids are regarded as being pro tective against chronic diseases. Little is known about the effect of dieta ry fat on the bioavailability of these compounds. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the amou nt of dietary fat on plasma concentrations of vitamin E and carotenoids aft er supplementation with these compounds. Design: During two 7-d periods, 4 groups of 14-15 volunteers received daily , with a low-fat hot meal, 1 of 4 different supplements: vitamin E (50 mg), alpha- plus beta-carotene (8 mg), lutein esters (8 mg lutein), or placebo. The supplements were provided in a low- or high-fat spread supplied in ran dom sequence during either of the 2 experimental periods. Results: As anticipated, plasma concentrations of vitamin E, alpha- and bet a-carotene, and lutein were significantly higher in the supplemented groups than in the placebo group. The amount of dietary fat consumed with the hot meal (3 or 36 g) did not affect the increases in plasma concentrations of vitamin E (20% increase with the lowfat spread and 23% increase with the hi gh-fat spread) or alpha- and beta-carotene (315% and 139% with the low-fat spread and 226% and 108% with the high-fat spread). The plasma lutein respo nse was higher when lutein esters were consumed with the high-fat spread (2 07% increase) than with the low-fat spread (88% increase). Conclusion: Optimal uptake of vitamin E and alpha- and beta-carotene requir es a limited amount of fat whereas the amount of fat required for optimal i ntestinal uptake of lutein esters is higher.