Abstract
Changes in serum carotenoids and retinol concentrations were assessed before and after continual ingestion of carrot juice or tomato juice. Sixty-four healthy female college students were divided into 3 groups. Two of the groups consumed 2 cans of each juice, and the control group received 2 cans of apple juice per day for 6 days. The levels of β-carotene and α-carotene in serum showed a significant increase following the consumption of carrot juice. The serum lycopene concentration increased significantly, and the β-carotene concentration showed a small increase after consumption of tomato juice. No significant changes were observed in the level of carotenoids in the apple juice group, or in the level of retinol in all the tested groups. It is concluded that continual ingestion of carrot juice or tomato juice is effective for elevation of the serum carotenoid level in humans.
