THE CAROTENOID CONTENT OF COLOSTRUM

Abstract

The serum carotenoid level is markedly raised and the vitamin A level is decreased in the terminal stage of pregnancy. After parturition, however, this relationship becomes reversed. It is therefore suggested that the carotenoids present in colostrum are derived from serum carotenoids in the mother and this abnormality in the serum of the mother is due to disturbance in conversion of carotenoids to vitamin A arising from liver dysfunction.