Effect of Tocopherol on Carotene Conversion.

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Abstract
Vitamin A-deficient rats fed purified diets containing low amounts of tocopherol (2% cottonseed oil or 10% lard) were given oral supplements of alpha-tocopherol to increase the tissue concentration of vitamin E. They were then injected intravenously with carotene dispersed in water with Tween 40, and the growth response or liver storage of vitamin A determined. By either criterion, the increased tocopherol in the tissues did not affect carotene utilization. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of tocopherol on orally administered carotene, under some conditions, is on the stability and absorption in the intestine, and not on the actual enzymatic conversion to vitamin A.