Bocaiuva (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd) improved Vitamin A status in rats.

Carotenoid bioavailability is influenced by various factors including the food matrix. The release of those molecules from the food matrix is the initial and most important step in the absorption process. The relative bioavailability of bocaiuva pulp beta-carotene in relation to pure beta-carotene was assayed by a hepatic retinol store, in vitamin A deficient Wistar rats.