Concentrations of beta-carotene (Carofertin) and vitamin A in plasma of pigs after intramuscular injection of beta-carotene.

Abstract

Limited information is available about the absorption and distribution of parenterally administered beta-carotene in pigs.Therefore plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters of beta-carotene, its influence on plasma vitamin A concentration as well as the safety and tolerability of an intramuscularly administered beta-carotene preparation (Carofertin) were analysed. Five gilts were injected with a single dose of 70 mg beta-carotene in an injectable aqueous solution. The mean pre-treatment plasma beta-carotene concentration was below 10 microg/ml. After injection, plasma beta-carotene values increased rapidly and reached a peak of 13.8 +/- 5.4 microg/ml after 24 hours. For a duration of 72 hours, plasma beta-carotene concentrations were significantly increased compared to baseline values (p < 0.05).The mean half-life of beta-carotene in plasma was 7.2 +/- 1.4 hours.The single dose of 70 mg beta-carotene did not significantly affect plasma vitamin A concentrations. Tolerability and safety of the administered preparation were good. No side effects related to the medication were observed.