| Popis: |
This chapter reviews the biological relevance of β-carotene (βC) to human health. Previous approaches to model quantitative aspects of βC absorption and metabolism are also discussed. In addition, the chapter discusses the potential merits of the development of a 13 C-based stable tracer approach, and its uses for βC modeling in humans. The development and application of mathematical and compartmental kinetic models, using stable isotope tracer techniques, offers the advantages of (1) safely studying βC metabolism in humans, (2) providing predictive information regarding βC biokinetics, and (3) aiding in the evaluation of the role(s) of βC in various biological responses. Stable tracer approaches to the study of βC metabolism in humans offer several advantages over the use of unlabeled or radioactive βC. β-Carotene enriched with 13 C, coupled with the use of gas chromatography-combustion- high precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry, constitutes a safe and sensitive approach that requires only small doses of βC typical of daily dietary intake and that do not perturb endogenous pool sizes. |
