Fate of Lycopene in the Rat and its Effects on the Utilization of Carotene and Vitamin A

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Abstract
Relatively small amounts of lycopene fed with either carotene or vitamin A to vitamin A-depleted rats increased the utilization of both of the latter substances for tissue deposition of vitamin A. Large amounts of lycopene increased vitamin A deposition in vitamin A-fed rats but were without effect on vitamin A deposition from carotene. Lycopene was absorbed and deposited in the livers of rats in approximately 2–6% of the total amount ingested. No lycopene was detected in the kidneys.