Serum beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol levels during mineral oil therapy for constipation.
Twenty-five children with chronic constipation underwent serial monitoring of serum beta-carotene, retinol (vitamin A1), and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) levels during mineral oil therapy. Mineral oil was administered between meals. Patients were monitored for up to four months of therapy. Mean serum beta-carotene levels fell from 1.0 +/- 0.5 mumol/L (55.7 +/- 26.0 micrograms/dL) to 0.7 +/- 0.4 mumol/L (35.9 +/- 22.1 micrograms/dL) after the first month of mineral oil therapy and remained depressed throughout the remainder of the study. Serum alpha-tocopherol levels remained unchanged throughout the observation period. There was a modest increase in serum retinol levels during the study, especially after three months (from 1.48 +/- 0.84 mumol/L [42.3 +/- 24.1 micrograms/dL] to 2.22 +/- 0.77 mumol/L [63.5 +/- 22.1 micrograms/dL]). We conclude that while a short course of mineral oil can induce a reduction in the serum level of beta-carotene, the treatment has no adverse effect on serum levels of retinol and alpha-tocopherol.
Clark
J H
JH
Department of Pediatrics, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis.
Russell
G J
GJ
Fitzgerald
J F
JF
Nagamori
K E
KE
D000293:Adolescent; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003248:Constipation / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008899:Mineral Oil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*; D019207:beta Carotene
D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids; D008899:Mineral Oil