Utilization of beta-carotene from Spirulina platensis by rats.
The availability of beta-carotene from Spirulina as compared to standard all trans beta-carotene was studied by the liver and kidney vitamin A storage method. After 21 days of vitamin A depletion, the rats were repleted with beta-carotene from Spirulina and a standard source at two dietary levels (60 and 120 micrograms/day) for a 10 day period. At lower levels, the liver storage levels of vitamin A and the percent of beta-carotene absorption were comparable to those of the standard. At higher levels both these parameters of the Spirulina fed group were significantly (P < 0.01) inferior to the standard source fed group. However, the Spirulina fed group showed better (P < 0.05) growth than the standard fed group did at both low and high levels of feeding.
Kapoor
R
R
Department of Foods & Nutrition, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India.
Mehta
U
U
D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000458:Cyanobacteria; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007668:Kidney / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009929:Organ Size; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000032:analysis; D015430:Weight Gain; D019207:beta Carotene
D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids