Plasma concentrations of carotenoids after large doses of beta-carotene.
Plasma concentrations of beta-carotene were determined in healthy men ingesting 180 mg beta-carotene/d during studies on the effects of beta-carotene on sunburn prevention. This dose is also used in the treatment of light-sensitive skin diseases. beta-carotene concentrations were found to reach a plateau in 1.5 to 4 wk, although there was much individual variation in the actual serum concentrations achieved. Carotenodermia was present in most subjects. No evidence of toxicity was found, confirming the findings of previous photosensitivity-prevention studies, which also reported no significant toxicity attributable to beta-carotene.
Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
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Mathews-Roth
D000328:Adult; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D019207:beta Carotene
D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids