Comparison of bioavailability between β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene and tissue distribution in its intact form in rats

The bioavailability of two intact carotenoids in several tissues of beta-cryptoxanthin- and beta-carotene-fed rats (20 mg/kg of diet) was investigated. Although metabolites of provitamin A are not included in our study, beta-cryptoxanthin was found at higher concentrations in majority of the tissues. The results show that the bioavailability of intact beta-cryptoxanthin seemed to be higher than that of beta-carotene.