Liver Stores of Vitamin A in a Normal Population Dying Suddenly or Rapidly from Unnatural Causes in New York City

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Data are presented on liver concentration of vitamin A in a normal population dying suddenly or rapidly from unnatural causes in New York City. Data were obtained from 101 specimens. A mean value of 126 µg/g wet tissue and a median of 66 µg/g was found. The range in values was from 7 to 668 µg/g. Thirty-five percent of the specimens contained 40 µg/g or less of vitamin A. Children under 10 years of age had the highest stores of vitamin A. The black population had significantly lower reserves than the white population. Reduced liver stores and an increased percentage of specimens with vitamin A levels under 40 µg/g were found in victims who died from an overdose of heroin or from bullet or stab wounds. Possible reasons for this relationship are discussed. Serum levels of vitamin A were of no assistance in predicting liver reserves. No serum level under 20 µg/100 ml was found even when the liver concentration was reduced to 11 µg/g wet tissue.