Burri BJ, Clifford AJ. Carotenoid and retinoid metabolism: insights from isotope studies.
Arch Biochem Biophys 2004;
430:110-9. [PMID:
15325918 DOI:
10.1016/j.abb.2004.04.028]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2003] [Revised: 04/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Use of isotopes as tracers has had an important role in elucidating key features of vitamin A and retinoid metabolism in animal models and humans. Their use has shown that beta-carotene absorption is variable, and that the appearance of beta-carotene and its metabolites in the blood by time since dosing follows characteristic patterns. Retinol formed from beta-carotene shows a different pattern, as does lutein. In this article, we summarize and discuss insights and some surprises into the absorption and metabolism of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and lutein that were gained with the use of isotope tracers in humans, rats, and cells as models.
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