Abstract
Copper status was measured in rats fed copper-adequate, purified diets supplemented with either vitamin E (250 IU/kg), vitamin A (40,000 IU/kg), or β-carotene (2 g/kg). It was hypothesized that the extra intake of the antioxidants would spare vitamin C resulting in a decreased copper status as shown previously after supplementation with vitamin C. A significant increase in plasma ascorbate concentration was observed after β-carotene supplementation, but not after supplemental vitamin E or vitamin A. Extra intake of either β-carotene or vitamin A slightly, but significantly, raised plasma copper concentrations. β-carotene also slightly raised liver copper concentration. Supplemental vitamin E had no effect on plasma and liver copper concentrations. It is concluded that the observed relatively small effects of supplemental vitamin A and β-carotene on copper status in rats are not mediated by changes in plasma vitamin C concentration.
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van den Berg, G.J., Lemmens, A.G. & Beynen, A.C. Copper status in rats fed diets supplemented with either vitamin E, vitamin A, or β-carotene. Biol Trace Elem Res 37, 253–259 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02783799
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02783799