The effect of tocopherol on the utilisation of intravenously administered carotene

Abstract
The effect of tocopherol on the conversion of intravenously administered aqueous dispersions of carotene in Tween 40 (polyoxyethylene- sorbitan monopalmitate) has been further investigated. High levels of tocopherol in the blood and tissues have been found to inhibit the conversion of carotene to vitamin A and on the basis of results obtained with preliminary, simultaneous, and subsequent injections of tocopherol, it is concluded that intravenously administered carotene undergoes a rapid breakdowr. possibly in the blood, to an intermediate which is then more slowly converted to vitamin A.