Distribution of Circulating /3-Carotene in Human Plasma Lipoproteins

Abstract

We examined the distribution of /3-carotene in plasma lipoprotein fractions. In healthy children and adults, LDL contained more /3-carotene than did HDL, but in cord blood more /S-carotene was found in HDL than in LDL. After the oral administration of /3-carotene, its plasma level rose although its distribution in the individual lipoprotein fractions did not change. Among disease conditions associated with hyperlipidemia, the ratio of /S-carotene to plasma lipids was highest in anorexia nervosa, while nephrotic syndrome and diabetes mellitus had similar ratios to each other. © 1992, Center for Academic Publications Japan. All rights reserved.