Absorption of carotene from carrots in man and the use of the quantitative chromic oxide indicator method in the absorption experiments

Abstract

The findings of various investigators concerning the absorption of carotene from vegetables in man differ greatly. Wilson, Das Gupta & Ahmad (1937) state that only 10-20 % of the carotene from carrots or spinach is excreted in the faeces. Van Eekelen & Pannevis (1938) found 99 % of the carotene from carrots and 95 % of the carotene from spinach in the faeces. Kreula & Virtanen (1939) and Virtanen & Kreula (1941) observed a carotene excretion varying between 64 and 99 %, and generally amounting to about 90 %. The absorption from very finely grated carrots seemed to be more favourable than from carrots merely masticated. With (1940) observed with purees of tomatoes, carrots, spinach, and carrot meal, excretion values of from 40 to 70 %. Extensive experiments carried out by the Vitamin A Sub-Committee of the Accessory Food Factors Committee (Lister Insti- tute and Medical Research Council, 1945) showed a carotene excretion of about 75 % from carrots and of about 60 % from spinach. If the carotene is