Comparative bioavailability of β-carotene from raw carrots and fresh carrot juice in humans: a crossover study.

Background/objectives: Carrots are a major source of beta-carotene, but comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. This study compared the rates of β-carotene absorption from fresh carrots versus fresh carrot juice.

Subjects/methods: For β-carotene absorption, a separate randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted with 16 healthy adults. The participants consumed 25 mg of β-carotene from raw carrots or fresh carrot juice. Blood samples were collected at the baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-consumption.

Results: The carrot juice group exhibited 2.33 times higher peak plasma concentrations 1.5 h post-consumption than those in the raw carrot group. The area under the curve for β-carotene absorption was 2.09 times greater in the carrot juice group than in the raw carrot group. The plasma α-carotene levels increased in both groups, but no significant differences were found. Similarly, no significant changes in the plasma levels of other fat-soluble vitamins were observed. In addition, no significant differences in antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential) were found between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: Consuming fresh carrot juice, without added sugars, may enhance the bioavailability of β-carotene compared to raw produce.